Well it has finally happened. The flying car is no longer Sci-Fi crazy talk. The fine folks at Terrafugia had their maiden flight on March 5th and it now looks as if the car/plane will be put into production and you can put down a refundable deposit with delivery to take place in 2011.

Here are some quick stats about this little lovely:

“Performance

Cruise: 100 kts (115 mph)
Rotate: 70 kts (80 mph)
Stall: 45 kts (51 mph)
Range: 400nm (460 mi)
Takeoff over 50′ obstacle: 1700′
Fuel burn: 5 gph
Fuel tank: 20 gallons
Useful Load: 430 lbs
On road: 30 mpg, highway speeds
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)

Convenience
Front wheel drive on the ground
Automotive-style entry and exit
Two place, side by side
Automated electromechanical folding wing
No trailer or hangar needed
Cargo area holds skis, fishing poles or golf clubs

Safety
Drive in case of inclement weather
Proven 100 hp Rotax 912S engine
Full vehicle parachute available
Modern glass avionics
Automotive crash safety features

Dimensions

Folded:
6’ 9” tall
80” wide
18’ 9” long

Airplane:
6’ 3” tall
19’ 2” long
Wingspan:
27’ 6”
Cockpit:
51” at the shoulder”

Now I just need to learn how to fly and come up with the $194k to actually buy the thing.

b

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