Update on the Terrafigura Transition: Not yet the flying car we all want

About one year ago, we covered a driveable airplane called the Terrafugia Transition. I believe that back then we said they would be available “sometime before 2012”, however, a source has told me that the company hopes to have them out before the end of 2009.

Just think! One more year until we actually have flying cars! Or at least the closest thing to them. The Terrafugia Transition may not be able to do Vertical Take-off Landings, or hover, but it can take off from a normal airplane runway.

As you can see from the YouTube video that has no sound, the wings just fold up after landing. It reminds me of the car that Matt Tracker used to drive on M.A.S.K., but some of you probably don’t remember that old cartoon.

The Terrafugia is certified by both the FAA as a light airplane, and the NHTSA as street legal. Just to let you know, you will need a light sport license to fly the Transition, but to drive it, it looks like all you’ll need is a regular license. The wings will not open up unless a specific combination is entered to guard against what would be a spectacular climax to a highway high-speed chase.

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