2013: Can Buy Ticket to Space, Watch Phone Callers on a Big Screen Like Star Trek- Now Flying Cars!

Reaganite Republican ^ | 21 November 2013 | Reaganite Republican

[Reaganite Republican]

First deliveries of the Massachusetts-produced Terrafugia TF-X -a hybrid-powerd car/plane that can not just fly but do vertical takeoffs like an V-22 Osprey- begin in 2020... 

pics/video at Reaganite Republican

Unlike earlier, more awkward/gangly prototypes (and a model available in 2015 called the 'Transition' -a gasoline powered car-plane that requires a runway) the newer Terrafugia TF-X brings a more polished, handsome design that does a good job of tucking-in the wings for terrestrial travel mode. It's the first car-plane design I've ever seen that looks resolved and not 'silly' on the road, and it's new vertical takeoff -without any runway whatsoever- is a huge improvement over other Terrafugias, which basically have to be driven to an airport. With this new one, you can just launch straight-up, right out of your front yard!

Interestingly, the company is also involved in trying to develop a 'flying Humvee' for the US Army.

Although they've bumped-up the price a couple times before production's even underway, the last word is that it's retailing for $279,000. The vehicle qualifies as a light sport aircraft, thus the pilot will be required to hold a Sport Pilot or higher certificate (20 hours of dual instruction/FAA oral and practical examination). 

Once you've obtained your license and purchased your Terrafugia, you can slap plates on it like any car and drive on all public streets. But when you feel it's time to fly, wings are deployed with rotor blades that turn upward for helicopter-like VTOL capability. Once airborne, you'll slowly turn them forward and get moving. The 300 hp hybrid powertrain then takes over, driving a large rear fan good for 200mph cruise with range of 400 nmi (740 km; 460 mi) on a single tank of regular unleaded gas...

You've come a long way, baby!

Terrafugia   Wikipedia

[Reaganite Republican]

*** ping ***

[Nifster]

oh great.... another expensive toy for those with more money than brains.

[Reaganite Republican]

Yeah, just don’t hit my house with it lol

[Travis T. OJustice]

I spend a lot of time around a harbor, where it’s evident most people are really stupid when it cmes to operating a boat. Boats really only operate in 2 dimensions. I would hate to see the result of letting these idiots try to operate something with a 3rd dimension added, jeeez.

[grobdriver]

The vehicle qualifies as a light sport aircraft

I doubt that.
"200 MPH cruise" exceeds the LSA max speed of 138 MPH, and by the time they make the thing meet the NHTSA requirements it will certainly exceed the LSA max weight of 1,230 pounds.
Hell, my RV-6 max gross is 1,800 pounds and I would come out on the very bad end of a 5-MPH collision on the ground.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

When I was a kid, I looked forward to the day when we had flying cars. Now that I’ve had a license for 30 years, I realize what a bad idea they really are. It’s bad enough having to dodge idiots in TWO dimensions...

[TalonDJ]

We have been able to video chats from any PC for over a decade.

[kevkrom]

Flying cars won’t happen until one key problem is resolved: air traffic control.

I also agree with others who do not want to trust the idiots who can’t drive in two dimensions with a third one.

[SpeakerToAnimals]

I will believe it when I see it fly. 300 HP with 2 itty bitty props will not lift a vehicle that size and weight. VTOL airplanes are near impossible with reciprocating engines, without the weight of car stuff.

Then add electric motors and batteries for hybrid and the lead pig won't fly.

[US_MilitaryRules]

Uh that would be me least concern. People just don’t understand flying in IFR. They will be auguring into houses when they don’t know which way is up or down in the clouds!

[Reaganite Republican]

Thanks, looks like I was parroting false info there

[fella]

TFX? Another flying Aardvark? An odd find on the TFX.

[GraceG]

We have been able to video chats from any PC for over a decade.

I wouldn't mind living in this world:

Just using work surrogates would save a whole ton of gas money for people, not to mention the lives of service men that could be saved. Using surrogates on farms could help with the aging farm population as well as reduce all number of industrial accidents...

They tried to make the Surrogate tech seem evil, but it is like any tech, it has advantages and disadvantages

[SunkenCiv]

“Forget the Cadillac! Take the hovercraft!”

http://www.amazon.com/The-Velvet-Rope/dp/B001QD1ZWW