Is there a dream more appealing than the flying car? Numerous attempts have been made over the years and Molt Taylor actually built one back in the 1950’s, though it was a cumbersome affair to transition from flying configuration and back. This attempt, called the Transition, is unique in the amount of high level talent assembled to design and build it, notably CEO Carl Dietrich, who is to receive his Ph.D. from MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics this June plus several other MIT alumni with lofty degrees.
The Transition is designed to operate in the 100 to 500 mile flight range where door to door times for airline travel are actually increasing. Taking advantage of the FAA Light Sport regulations where getting a pilot’s license is easier than with the usual private route, more will qualify to fly the Transition and actually be able to make some use of it. It is not intended for daily use or running errands in the city but instead it will make those intermediate trips more convenient.
While it is not going to carry heavy loads with a useful payload of only 430 pounds it nevertheless could be a boon for many travelers if it actually gets built and operates as designed.
Vehicles like this capture the imagination and many surely hope it will succeed. Looking back over the history of crossover vehicles, even those as simple as various amphibian designs, shows there are enormous obstacles to overcome. The technological capabilities we have today increase the chances of success as do the highly qualified members of the design team but this still definitely falls into the wait and see category.
Terrafugia via Cnet News