The American roadable aircraft corporation Terrafugia just debuted the latest model added to its Outer Mold Line, the TF-X hybrid electric aircraft that can drive on land as well as in the air.
Developed by Ben Schweighart and Transportation/Automotive designer Verdan Martinek, the Terrafugia TF-X is a four-seat the hybrid vehicle that has wings for flight that can transform from a car to an aircraft in just seconds.
The electric vehicle can start off on the road and then take off and land vertically, without requiring a runway. Transforming from a futuristic car to a high-tech aircraft, the TF-X is equipped with a computer that controls flight operations so that passengers just have to enter a destination, and it will take care of the rest.
The TF-X makes a safe landing for its passengers, but they will also have the final say to confirm that it is in fact safe to touch back on the ground.
Reaching up to 200 mph, the aircraft has twin electric motor pods with 300 horsepower, a distributed electrical system and a megawatt of power that lifts it off the ground. It also includes a ducted fan to provide thrust to allow the vehicle to sail through the skies.
While the vehicle is a plug-in hybrid on the ground, when in cruise mode in the air, the aircraft's batteries charge. It will have a range of over 500 miles, taking off and landing quietly thanks to its electric motors. On the road, it drives like a normal car and can fit into a single car garage.
However, the TF-X is currently just a concept. But those who can't wait to see the day where flying cars are the norm are in luck. Terrafugia also announced that it has developed a one-tenth scale wind tunnel test model of the TX-F that will be tested at the MIT Wright Brothers wind tunnel to measure "drag, lift, and thrust forces while simulating hovering flight, transitioning to forward flight and full forward flight," the company revealed in a press release.
The test model is currently on display at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.
It is not yet known when the flying cars will be available for purchase, but it appears that the technology is not that far away.
Via: Slash Gear
