Flying Car Completes First Test Run in the US
The first flying automobile manufactured in the U.S. has completed its first official test flight, bringing it one step closer to the showroom floor.
The car was created by the Massachusetts based Terrafugia Inc., who hopes to be able to sell the flying car within the next year.
This model that is being dubbed the Transition includes two seats, four wheels, and with wings that can fold up so that the vehicle can be driven on land.
The car reportedly flew 1,400 feet in the air for 8 minutes. Commercial jets normally fly at 35,000 feet.
The Transition has already been reserved by 100 customers who have put down $10,000 in order to make sure they get their hands on this life-changing vehicle.
The number of deposits should receive a significant increase once Terrafugia introduces the flying automobile to the public at the New York Auto Show this week.
The Vehicle will retail for $279,000. The Transition also requires a runway in order to have a proper take-off.
The Transition can travel at speeds of 70 miles per hour on the road and 115 miles in the air, according to spokesman Steven Moscaritolo. It uses a 23-gallon tank for fuel and burns 5 gallons per hour while in the air.
And even though getting the Transition to fly has been a success for Terrafugia, industry insider Robert Mann is not sure if there will be a market for a vehicle such as this one due to its high price tag and rising fuel costs.
"This is not going to be an inexpensive aircraft to produce or market," he said to CBS. "It has some uniqueness and will get some sales, but the question is could it ever be a profitable enterprise?"
