Flying Cars, Now a Reality

By Staff

Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 12:07 [IST]

The future is finally here. The idea of flying cars that is commonly depicted in futuristic movies and cartoon films like 'Star Wars' and 'Jetsons' is a reality now.

Named the 'Terrafugia Transition' , the car can transform itself from a two-seater car to a plane in 15 seconds. This latest technological breakthrough is expected to hit the air next month.

After it survives the first 'test' flight, the machine will be available in the showrooms in 18 months time. It is easy to maintain and use as it utilizes the normal unleaded fuel and will also fit into a garage according to the manufacturers, as reported by the TimesOnline.

"This is the first really integrated design where the wings fold up automatically and all the parts are in one vehicle", says Carl Dietrich, who runs the Massachusetts-based Terrafugia.

The wonder machine is developed by the former Nasa engineers and is powered by the same 100bhp engine on the ground and in the air. According to its creators, the Terrafugia will be able to fly up to 500 miles on a single tank of petrol at a cruising speed of 115mph.

So far, it has been successfully tested only on roads at up to 90mph. Inspite of its retail price of 200,000 dollars, 40 orders have already been received, as declared by Dietrich."For an airplane that"s very reasonable, but for a car that"s very much at the high end," he conceded. AGENCIES