Flying Cars, Anyone?

DON''T be surprised to see cars levitating into space to avoid traffic congestion. After all, there is already a vehicle that is originally designed as a car but may turn into an aircraft --- and legally at that.

DON''T be surprised to see cars levitating into space to avoid traffic congestion. After all, there is already a vehicle that is originally designed as a car but may turn into an aircraft --- and legally at that.

Massachusetts-based Carl Dietrich actually came up with his "Little Transformer", a car that can turn into a light aircraft. Known as Terrafugia Transition, the two-seater car, which is considered as light aircraft, seemed to look like just an ordinary car except for the automatic fold-up wings.

Terrafugia Transition is a legally accepted road car. However, the manufacturers, it was said, are working on other legal parameters that would make it a dual purpose vehicle. Among the glitches that Terrafugia Transition is facing are issues concerning insurance of the vehicle.

Initially, Terrafugia (as a light aircraft) has a 27.5 feet wingspan and can actually fly 500 miles on a speed of 115 miles per hour on one full tank of petroleum. On the ground, Terafugia (as a car), runs on an automatic transmission. It is equivalent the size of an ordinary sedan that fits quite well inside a garage --- making it cost friendly as one who would own it would be spared from paying the hangar fees. This totally new vehicle has in fact attracted not a few people. In fact, Terrafugia (which remains a demo car con plane pending resolution to legal issues) already have forty orders.

Other wannabes

There are also other private entities vying for a slice in the potential transport market.

One is the Parajet Sky Car.

It is basically a bug with a big built-in fan on its back and a parachute like device on top. Their version of the car-plane comes in with a top speed of 100 miles per hour when used as a car and around 80 miles per hour when flown into the air strips. It is being introduced in the market (although it is not yet commercially available) as a light sports aircraft.

Another is Pal V Europe BV.

It is actually a three-wheeled gyrocopter that is capable of making both vertical take off and landing ability. It is said to be very agile just like any other motorcycle. Its rotor folds up and is known to have the capability to fly real low, thereby requiring very minimal burden on securing flying permits.

There are several other automotive manufacturers planning mass reproduction of a similar flying vehicle, under the category of "light sports aircraft".

Beating traffic burdens

These flying machines actually do wonders. Aside from trimming down travel time, it also keeps one away from the perennial traffic burden caused by the unregulated and continuously soaring number of land transport systems, which grows parallel with the population boom.

No need to worry about getting late with important appointments. No need to get mad over the road decongestions. No need to yell at undisciplined road drivers on the loose. No need to worry about the exorbitant fuel consumption because of the roads'' standstill mode.

All that is left to do is get to feel how it is to become a pilot or play the role of British Secret Service Agent James Bond 007, while doing the spy stuffs. GP

Ruhfus Systemhydraulik GmbH are hydraulic cylinder manufacturers and specialise in heavy duty hydraulic cylinders.