Technology

The Future is Here: These ‘Transition’ Flying Cars Approved as ‘Street Legal’

This may be the clearest sign yet that the “Jetsons” — that old futuristic cartoon — is becoming reality.

A line of flying cars has just been approved as street legal in Florida. The cars were approved for flight last year by the FAA.

The machine is called the “Transition,” — by a company called Terrafugia — and is fully car and fully airplane. You can theoretically drive it to the airport and then then fly it to your final destination.

The Future is Here: These Transition Flying Cars Approved as Street Legal

WTSP-TV in Florida reports on the vehicle, which is slated to hit roads, and the air, late next year:

The vehicle costs roughly $250,000 and requires a $10,000 deposit to order one. But while that may seem pricey, owners who buy one might actually end up saving some money: developers say the vehicle gets about 30-35 miles per gallon on the road.

The Future is Here: These Transition Flying Cars Approved as Street Legal

Terrafugia has been developing the futuristic vehicle since 2008. Below, you can catch a glimpse of the vehicle in action courtesy of the company:

Caradvice.com confirms the Transition is the first of its kind, and gives some of the specs:

The Transition requires a 520 metres strip to take off over a 15m tall obstacle and is capable of cruising at around 200km/h. The unique craft also has a range of around 700km before it needs to land and refuel. Interestingly, the Transition apparently has an average fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km on the road.

The Daily Mail says the automobile can convert in about 30 seconds with a touch of a button, and is operated by both a steering wheel and a joystick:

It measures 19ft long and just 5ft 6ins wide when the wings are folded up, but they have a full span of 27ft.

It has a top speed of 65mph on the road, but that soars to 115mph in the air.

Drivers can convert it from a two-seater road car to a plane in less than 30 seconds with the touch of a button.

It doesn’t have a gearstick, but on the road can be controlled with brake and accelerator pedals and a steering wheel like an ordinary car. In the air it is operated with a joystick near the steering wheel.

Comments (126)

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  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:04pm

    Flying cars are like hybrid cars, the worst of both worlds, only instead of lugging around two complete drive train and power systems, it’s a bad car fused with a worse airplane.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:06pm

      Call me when the Moller Skycar is legal to fly into and park on any parking lot.

      http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/moller-m400-skycar-at-risk-of-being-discontinued-211107.jpg

      Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • Uncle Tom
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:41pm

      You’re dumb, dude.

      Report Post » Uncle Tom  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:46pm

      What’s wrong with hybrids? Our Prius gets 50MPG, can cruise all day at 80MPH, can get there as quick as any other 4 banger out there, seats 5 comfortably, cold AC even in Fl…It has been one of the tightest, best cars we have owned and we have owned some mid range and top of the line American steel. Our 07 Prius has just over 100,000 miles on it and still feels new. It has proven to be a quality ride and the cost was reasonable at ~25K. I would gladly buy another one. Just sayin’…

      Report Post »  
    • RURC
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:53pm

      Moler is a fraud. My father has done investment studies for corporations and wealthy investors a few times over the last 20 years directly investing in Moler. His idea has more holes in it than a sponge. The thing has never, ever flown and never will.
      At least this thing works. They did in less than 4 years what Moler has not done in almost 30 years. can you say fraud?

      Report Post »  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 6:42pm

      If your PRIUS can do 85…….. then why are you and all your PRIUS buddies doing 54 MPH in the left lane!!!

      Get the hell out of my way!!

      Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:00pm

      I’ll pass!

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:03pm

      I am a private pilot and have been dreaming of just such a car for years! It looks like this is going to take off hehe! :)

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • TomBombadil
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:12pm

      Sorry, but your comparison is awkward and ineffectual.

      Not only are hybrids quite effective (going green = fully electric cars, by the way, which aren’t effective as of yet), they’re bringing together two different power sources to fuel the vehicle, while the Transition is two different modes of transportation in a single vehicle. Quite different.

      Additionally, hybrids could be seen as “ineffective” because they’re integrating an, as of yet, ineffective technology (battery/electricity power) to a known technology. The Transition is integrating two known technologies. It’s quite different.

      Seems like an awesome vehicle. If I were rich, I‘d get my pilot’s license for one of these bad boys.

      Report Post » TomBombadil  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:53pm

      they would be cool, but you know how many people drive ‘junkers’ now? think about this in 30 years… yeah… i’d hate to be on the ground in those days… people don’t maintain their cars today… they are going to be falling out of the sky left and right… lol… good luck with this. ;)

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:30pm

      Actually, the MOLLER is a misnomer – there have been multiple designs from Moller. I believe they are labelled as “Mark”s I, II, III, etc.
      Multiple of the Mollers HAVE, IN FACT, FLOWN.
      I don’t know your dad, but, if he told you the VEHICLE has never flown, he is wrong, or you misunderstood him.
      Now, as for Moller’s COMPANY ever getting off the ground – that is an altogether different story. I have follwed the designs for years, and I do not believe the COMPANY will ever get off the ground.
      WHY?
      First of all, it is INCREDIBLY difficult to take an aircraft design into production. The liability insurance is ASTRONOMICAL! Then, there are all the FAA regulations, and NTSB regulations.
      However, I suspect that Moller is not motivated enough to get the company into production mode.
      Look at Rutan. He sucessfully produced many kit and experiemental aircraft over the years. He won the X-Prize (Anasari). He also designed and flew the Voyager (with Jeanna Yeager) around the entire world without stopping – a first-ever feat. Where is he now? Where are his designs now? Well, there is no REAL money in producing NEW small aircraft designs right now. So, Rutan has dedicated his efforts to engineering for OTHER companies.

      I’m not up to date on Moller, but, since he never completely goes into production, I suspect he is either not motivated, lacks funding, or, has found profit elsewhere.

      This is the free market AT WORK !

      Could we?
      YEP !

      Should we?
      Only if you want to su

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on July 15, 2011 at 9:48pm

      Advances in micro-processor technology and satellite communications will make civilian air travel a snap and easy as driving a automatic transmission car. Air travel is a very green energy efficient mode of transportation.

      Report Post »  
    • MyTwoCents
      Posted on July 16, 2011 at 8:20pm

      “…they would be cool, but you know how many people drive ‘junkers’ now? think about this in 30 years… yeah… i’d hate to be on the ground in those days… people don’t maintain their cars today… they are going to be falling out of the sky left and right… lol… good luck with this. ;)”

      Well, I‘m not sure how many times you’ve purchased a second-hand vehicle that originally cost $250,000, but I’m pretty certain that, at that price point, a vehicle is going to be properly maintained.

      Oh, and the fact that it doubles as an aircraft. Yeah…

      Report Post » MyTwoCents  
  • I_Object
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:01pm

    Must…. Have…. One…. SOOO COOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!!

    Report Post » I_Object  
    • Favored93
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:04pm

      at 200k I will sadly have to wait till the price comes down :(

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • chris3
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 10:10pm

      please if you can, buy one, that will drive down the price for the rest of us!not to mention spur competion(can’t even spell it any more)

      Report Post »  
  • MBN
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:01pm

    This would make the perfect get-away car.

    Report Post »  
    • fangbanger
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:41pm

      not really. at 250k only a handful of people will be able to afford them leaving the list of suspects to include that handful of people. you might be able to get away for a minute but they will know where to look. or the air force may shoot you down

      Report Post » fangbanger  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:57pm

    I will wait until the battery operated one comes out. I sure don’t want to widen my carbon footprint…hahahahaha.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:53pm

    I suppose you still need a pilot’s licence to fly it.

    Also, why is there no actual footage showing it change from car to plane?

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:00pm

      I‘d bet you can’t transform while moving. It’s got to be a pain to back up, too.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Czar Casm
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 5:00pm

      I wonder what speed is typically needed for lift. Depending on head wind and an open road just unfold your wings and takeoff, eliminating the trip to a strip. But I’m sure the FAA would have a problem with that.

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:07pm

      you would only need a recreational pilots lic. to fly it and if you can afford the car the lic. is not a biggie.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • TomBombadil
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 7:15pm

      Favored,

      Except the hours it takes to get a pilot’s license are still quite an investment of time.

      This won’t have a wide appeal (if it ever does) until the cost comes down and the ability to fly hits the mainstream. THANKFULLY, it probably won’t. People can’t drive well often. I’d hate to see the skies littered with people who tailgate and roadrage. It’d be a scary place.

      Report Post » TomBombadil  
  • CatB
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:53pm

    Cool .. I live in Florida .. btw .. don’t tell my son .. he is a car freak and his grandpa was a private pilot …

    TEA!

    Report Post »  
  • Aerocog
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:53pm

    Seems like those speed boat cars that rich folk used in the 1980s.

    Report Post »  
  • tomloy
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:50pm

    I am not impressed. The moeller aircar is a lot better.

    Report Post »  
  • Aequitas
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:50pm

    It would safer to give a baby a gun to play with

    Report Post »  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:50pm

    Awwww . . . I want one that can land on water, too.

    Report Post »  
  • candcantiques
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:49pm

    This is a GREAT site and a MUST read. If you want to stay informed you MUST read what is on this site and in this article.
    http://gulagbound.com/17441/agenda-21-%e2%80%93-ending-liberty-in-america/

    Report Post »  
  • USMarine0311
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:48pm

    Can I get dual mounts m-60 machine guns as an option on my purchase?

    Report Post »  
  • caexpat
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:46pm

    when pigs can fly!

    Report Post » caexpat  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:46pm

    They are street legal in Florida. Does that mean if you fly it to another state, they will ticket you?

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Tree
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:26pm

      If they can catch you!

      Report Post »  
    • thorkyl
      Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:54am

      If they are street legal in Florida, the fed has mandated that other States honor each others requirements. As long as it has a Florida license plate, and any insurance required then other States must honor it and can be used on the roads.

      Report Post » thorkyl  
  • WBOB
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:45pm

    I’ll take one also

    Report Post » WBOB  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 10:04pm

      Would be cool to be able to go from 65MPH on a winding road to 120MPH as the crow flies. Would save a little time if you commute!

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • JRook
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:44pm

    Very cool. Not very practical in city or suburban area, but a blast in the wide open spaces for sure.

    Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:08pm

      why, it can be parked in a normal garage. Just drive it to any small airport and go.

      Report Post » booger71  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:41pm

    Cool – more subsidies to dole out!

    Winning! (not)

    Speaking of the Jetsons, maybe the greatest cartoon of all time.

    Report Post »  
  • itsmyfirstday
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:38pm

    I wonder if it comes in a convertible…

    Report Post » itsmyfirstday  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:54pm

      Looks like it has a “sunroof” .. lol

      Report Post »  
  • Ravings of a lunatic planet
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:37pm

    Hmmmm, I’m wondering how you would just “fly” out of traffic if it’s backed up. You’ve got to have some “runway” I suppose. But never the less, I want one. :)

    Report Post » Ravings of a lunatic planet  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 10:01pm

      You need a 1/4 mile runway to clear 50 foot buildings.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • Bloody Sam
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:32pm

    “Paging George Jetson. Please pick up the white courtesy phone.”

    Report Post » Bloody Sam  
  • booger71
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:31pm

    Be a great way to elude the cops on the highway, heck yeah I want one, and I think Barry should buy me one.

    Report Post » booger71  
  • Black Manta
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:31pm

    Wow what we think about when the economy is falling hard……Go America…

    Report Post » Black Manta  
  • 101
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:28pm

    Wonder what the insurance would be on this? You do save a lot not having to hanger it!

    Report Post »  
  • CandaceGray25
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:24pm

    Wow!

    Report Post » CandaceGray25  
  • PrfctlyFrank
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:24pm

    I want one… No two…

    Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
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