A well-known automaker from China, Geely, announced ambitious plans to rid the mega-cities of transport problems. To achieve this, she plans to create a flying car. One step towards the realization of the idea is the purchase by the Chinese concern of the American company Terrafugia, which has been practicing "crossing" the car and the plane since 2006.
It was then that the Transition project was developed, which is a car with front-wheel drive and folding wings, turning it, if necessary, into a double plane. The first "running" tests of the novelty were carried out in 2009. A flying car can lift up to 200 kilograms. The maximum speed of the flight is 185 km / h, and on the ground it is about 105 km / h. By the way, the "car-plane" on tests could fly 740 kilometers.
In 2013, Terrafugia began designing a new generation of flying car - TF-X. According to the idea of designers, the car will receive a hybrid power unit consisting of two electric motors of 600 hp each. each, as well as ICE, issuing 300 "horses". The concept can overcome by air 800 kilometers with a speed of up to 320 km / h.
The release of the four-seater prototype TF-X with folding wings is scheduled for the 2020s, the previously announced cost is $ 300,000.
Photo: Terrafugia