Flying cars could be a reality within 24 months. Finally after decades of dreaming and waiting, a company is planning to make a flying car commercially available to the public in two years.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has this month approved Terrafugia’s TF-X flying car for testing. The team behind TF-X patented their flying car in 2011 and unveiled the TF-X concept for the first time in 2013.
The FAA approved only mini versions of the TF-X to enter into space. They are roughly 2 ft long and with a weight restriction of no more than 55 lbs. The four-seater prototype vehicle looks like a mini car with wings and the company can test the flying car at altitudes up to 400 feet and at speeds under 100 mph.
The full-size prototype features four seats. The model has been designed to fit in a standard garage the wings included. It drives like a normal hybrid with the wings tucked away in a compartment placed above the rocker panels which makes the parking easy. The wings deploy in seconds at the push of a button. The vehicle does not require a runway for take off or landing. Instead, two electric motors and a pair of propellers are used to lift the car off the ground. The prototype uses a 300hp gasoline engine to reach altitude. After take off, side-panel wings are engaged to glide the car through the air.
The TF-X will have a top cruising speed of around 200mph, and will be able to fly at around 500 miles at a time. It will feature rechargeable batteries that would be charged by the engine or at electric car charging stations.
According to Terrafugia, the U.S.-based creator, learning how to fly the vehicle will take a driver significantly less time than learning how to fly an airplane.The 35-member team hope the first TF-X flying cars to go on sale in two years.
You can see the TF-X here.