Terrafugia has completed phase one of six planned phases in its flight-testing program for the single-engine, pusher prop Transition flying car. This first phase included testing of the airplane’s stability and power on and off handling. Engine-cooling and propeller settings for various flight conditions were also evaluated.
“It’s a real airplane; we’re flying it whenever we want, for as long as we want,” said Carl Dietrich, CEO and CTO at Terrafugia.
The next test phase of Terrafugia’s test program will concentrate on the road handling, including testing of the drivetrain, suspension and braking. Flight and road testing will continue through the summer.
Terrafugia hopes to qualify the Transition in the LSA category, which will restrict its carrying capability. The company claims the useful load will be 460 pounds, but whether this number is attainable remains to be seen. The Transition also must pass the standards set by the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA).
Terrafugia also claims a cruise speed of 93 knots and takeoff distance over 50 feet of 1,700 feet. These numbers appear on target as the attached video shows the airplane lifting off near the 1,000-foot marker.
