May 2010 covers_Covers.qxd - World Airnews

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
EVER SINCE private flying, and more
specifically, general aviation, became
a popular mode of transport
after the end of World War II, aircraft designers
have been wanting to develop a
small aircraft which could easily be converted
into a motor car and vice versa.
There have also been those who have
converted cars into boats and even submarines,
James Bond style. Many designs
in both disciplines have appeared, but few
have proven to be successful to the extent
that they have captured many sales.
Now, however, an American company
which has been specialising in what it calls
“advancing the state-of-the-art in personal
aircraft since 2006”, has come up
with a unique design which it has called
the Transition Roadable Aircraft.
Based in Woburn, MA, Terrafugia Inc.
has successfully test driven and test flown
this two-seat, side-by-side car-cumaircraft
which, from an aviation point of
view, is registered in the Light Sport Aircraft
(LSA) category.
Discussing the rationale behind the development
of the Transition, a company
spokesman explained: “Every pilot faces
uncertain weather, rising costs and
ground transportation hassles.
“The Transition combines the unique
convenience of being able to fold its wings
and drive on any road surface with a modern
personal airframe platform.
“Folding the wings for road use,” the
spokesman continued, “and deploying
them for flight at the airport, is activated
from inside the cockpit. This unique functionality
addresses head-on the chal-
lenges faced by today’s private and sport
pilots.”
On the road, the car version cruises at
speeds up to 104 km/hr (65 mph), but in
flight its cruising speed is 100 knots. In the
air it burns a just over 19 litres per hour,
while its fuel consumption on the ground
WORLD AIRNEWS, MAY 2010. 57