Remember the cartoon series The Jetsons? It is about a family from the future that have futuristic stuff and drive/pilot their flying cars. It’s funny just thinking about it, but we might be close to approaching that era.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft, the world’s first “flying car,” permission to operate on roads.
The NHTSA decided that the car must have some design changes before it can be allowed operate on road and in air. One of the design changes is the use of airplane-style plastic windows, as it is lighter and is less prone to shattering than glass windows used in cars.
The flying car’s maker, Terrafugia Inc., said it will be available at the end of 2012, and a price tag of $250,000 can be expected.
Terrafugia’s Richard Gersh said: “This is an aeroplane first and foremost. The idea is you can drive it to and from a regulation airport. Fully fueled, you can fly it for a range of 400 to 450 miles.”
Gersh also said that the company has received as many as 100 orders in February and it targets to sell 200 units in one year.
The company said that it only takes 30 seconds for the vehicle to switch from a car to an aircraft and vice-versa.
“A lot of people said they never thought it would fly. But we have a vehicle right here, right now that drives and flies, and converts between the two in 20 seconds,” said Carl Dietrich, chief executive officer of Terrafugia.
Do you think it’s cool to have your own flying car? I do.
via: Cnet
this would be as handy as a pocket on a shirt. here in alaska, conditions change on a dime and there are so many challenges to keeping the people safe while traveling. this is a good answer.