We have seen all cars trekking the grounds. But will the time really come that cars would be hitting the airwaves too? If so, it seems that we have come head-to-head with the Jetsons. However, it is very interesting to note that the same concept as lived by George Jetson and his family is actually a dream being studied and researched since 1900s. Well, the then great car manufacturer Henry Ford wasn't able to do it. But he was able to predict it just the same. The question now is this: Is there somebody that can openly say that they have finally created a fully-functional flying car?
Apparently, there is. Terrafugia said that they have finally come up with the blue print of the first commercial flying car. But of course, this car isn't really a car at all. It is more of a small airplane that looks like a car. The aerodynamics of the car is based on the principles used for an airplane. The only notable difference between this one and a regular passenger plane is that the flying car is more of a private vehicle that anybody who can afford it can use.
On the plan, the flying car is just as big as an SUV. It has collapsible wings that can be folded by pressing a button. With its wings out of the way, you will surely find it easy to park the car in your garage. But then again, you are still going to need a bigger space for it.
The blue print is ready and the test flight is being prepared. Hopefully, Terrafugia expect to fly the car next year. They have named their invention the Transition and it is one vehicle that would make the people at the airport with more than enough job to handle.
Even in its early development stages, Terrafugia says that they have already received a total of 30 orders of their flying car. However, production is not expected to start until 2009. And if it would really work, this car will showcase the merging of both Henry Ford's legacy and that of the Wright Brothers. It is expected to surpass the achievement of the Curtiss Autoplane that was built in 1917. The Curtiss Autoplane was the first flying car in history. However, it barely got off the ground so it wasn't much of a success than expected.
Now almost a decade after, another flying car is in the works. One hundred years worth of modern technology is the main element that makes this invention better than its earlier counterpart. It may just be a dream until today. But it will soon be a reality tomorrow.
More than the emerging possibility of the flying car, the timing is indeed right for this invention. The U.S. has more than 5,000 airports. This fact makes it easier for people to use their flying car anywhere, as most places can accommodate them. There might just be new rules on the skyline. And surely, a set of traffic laws on the skies have to be written up as early as now.
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