Post by swamprat on Mar 7, 2015 9:20:40 GMT -6
TERRAFUGIA'S TF-X: SAY HELLO TO THE FIRST EVER SELF-FLYING CAR!
BY B.J. MURPHY
The year is 2015 and people are still complaining about their flying cars. We were told we’d have flying cars by 2015 on Back to the Future Part II, so where are they today? Well, we already have flying cars, thanks to AeroMobil. But like most technological innovations, the requirement of friendly competition is almost always a necessity. Say hello to Terrafugia – the one and only company, thus far, promising us self-flying cars!
Like the AeroMobil, Terrafugia’s Transition model transitioned from car to mini-plane, and then took off like most planes do. This was a problem, given the limited availability in runways for all drivers. As a result, Terrafugia began development of their newly designed TF-X model – the self-flying car of the future!
The TF-X is a fully electric vehicle that’ll be able traverse 500 miles per charge. You’ll be able to choose between “manual” or “automatic” in both flying and landing. Unfortunately, Terrafugia has stated the development of the TF-X will take anywhere from 8-12 years, but that early access will be available long before that time.
Differentiating itself from the Transition model, the TF-X uses twin 600 hp electric motor pods to begin its ascent, with each pod attaining 16 different motors as a safety precaution. Once you’re lifted into the air the motor pods begin folding forward as the 300 hp electric engine starts working with the twin motors. As you reach cruise, the propellers begin folding internally, set to charge by the engine itself.
As a self-flying car, all you have to do is tell the car where you want to go and liftoff. To ensure safety, Terrafugia is making sure that the TF-X avoids other air traffic, bad weather, and restricted airspace. The vehicle will have a full-vehicle backup parachute in case of an emergency. If you, the TF-X operator, declares an emergency, which will automatically notify the authorities, you’ll be able to land on non-approved landing zones. If you ever become unresponsive, the TF-X will then immediately implement an emergency landing at the nearest airport.
Pricing is currently unknown, but Terrafugia is aiming for relative affordability, matching prices with that of high-end luxury vehicles. As it grows in popularity, with an increase in demand, prices will surely fall in tandem.
For video, see here: www.seriouswonder.com/terrafugias-tf-x-say-hello-first-ever-self-flying-car/
BY B.J. MURPHY
The year is 2015 and people are still complaining about their flying cars. We were told we’d have flying cars by 2015 on Back to the Future Part II, so where are they today? Well, we already have flying cars, thanks to AeroMobil. But like most technological innovations, the requirement of friendly competition is almost always a necessity. Say hello to Terrafugia – the one and only company, thus far, promising us self-flying cars!
Like the AeroMobil, Terrafugia’s Transition model transitioned from car to mini-plane, and then took off like most planes do. This was a problem, given the limited availability in runways for all drivers. As a result, Terrafugia began development of their newly designed TF-X model – the self-flying car of the future!
The TF-X is a fully electric vehicle that’ll be able traverse 500 miles per charge. You’ll be able to choose between “manual” or “automatic” in both flying and landing. Unfortunately, Terrafugia has stated the development of the TF-X will take anywhere from 8-12 years, but that early access will be available long before that time.
Differentiating itself from the Transition model, the TF-X uses twin 600 hp electric motor pods to begin its ascent, with each pod attaining 16 different motors as a safety precaution. Once you’re lifted into the air the motor pods begin folding forward as the 300 hp electric engine starts working with the twin motors. As you reach cruise, the propellers begin folding internally, set to charge by the engine itself.
As a self-flying car, all you have to do is tell the car where you want to go and liftoff. To ensure safety, Terrafugia is making sure that the TF-X avoids other air traffic, bad weather, and restricted airspace. The vehicle will have a full-vehicle backup parachute in case of an emergency. If you, the TF-X operator, declares an emergency, which will automatically notify the authorities, you’ll be able to land on non-approved landing zones. If you ever become unresponsive, the TF-X will then immediately implement an emergency landing at the nearest airport.
Pricing is currently unknown, but Terrafugia is aiming for relative affordability, matching prices with that of high-end luxury vehicles. As it grows in popularity, with an increase in demand, prices will surely fall in tandem.
For video, see here: www.seriouswonder.com/terrafugias-tf-x-say-hello-first-ever-self-flying-car/