Terrafugia TF-X

TF-X
Prototype TF-X Pod
Role
Manufacturer Terrafugia

The Terrafugia TF-X is the first fully autonomous flying car under development by Boston-based Terrafugia. Its expected release date is listed as eight to twelve years.[1] The TF-X seats four passengers and uses an engine combined with two electric motors for propulsion.[2] Unlike the previously proposed Transition, the TF-X is capable of vertical take-off and landing by extending its retractable wings attached with pusher propellers while aerial thrust is provided by a ducted fan at the rear.[3] It will be able to fit in a single car garage.

Powered by two plug-in hybrid 600-horsepower electric motors and a 300-horsepower fuel engine, the TF-X is planned to have a flight range of 500 miles (805 km) with a cruising flight speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) without the need to refuel or recharge.[2] Road speed is currently unknown.[4]

Design and development

Due to the success of the Transition vehicle, Terrafugia announced in 2013 that they were developing the TF-X. When in flight, the TF-X is effectively autonomous, with its pilot able to navigate to a pre-specified landing zone—and pre-selected backup landing zones—by itself, although manual controls and overrides exist. Final landing must be approved by the pilot. The TF-X will also provide operators the choice to fly in either manual or automatic during flight with the ability to control the vehicle in a manner similar to steering the wheel of an automobile. Terrafugia claims that learning to drive the TF-X is likely to take five hours and will take substantially less time to learn how to safely operate than a traditional aircraft.[1]

Safety features

The TF-X will be capable of avoiding air traffic, bad weather, and restricted and tower-controlled airspace. For additional safety features, the TF-X would automatically land at the nearest airport if the operator becomes unresponsive. Additionally, if a TF-X operator declares an emergency, the authorities will be automatically notified of the situation and the TF-X can be landed in a non-approved landing zone. The TF-X also features a backup full vehicle parachute system that can be activated if the operator believes the vehicle is incapable of auto-landing.[1]

Pricing

Pricing is expected to be upwards of £200,000 (roughly $300,000).[5]

Specifications (TF-X)

Data from Terrafugia

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 3
  • Powerplant: 2 × TFX POD Hybrid Electric, 670 hp (500 kW) each

Performance

  • Range: 434 nmi; 805 km (500 mi)

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "TF-X".
  2. 1 2 "This awesome Terrafugia electric vehicle will fly, someday [w/video]".
  3. ↑ "Terrafugia TF-X, the flying supercar".
  4. ↑ "The flying car is here at last! It's Terrafugia's TF-X".
  5. ↑ "New Terrafugia TF-X flying car revealed".
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