Terrafugia plans stop-fold tiltrotor hybrid car
 

Well, they've certainly set the difficulty score high enough; let's see how well they do with execution (and whether they attract the attention of DARPA’s Transformer (TX) team).



Av Week: Terrafugia's VTOL hybrid car

I/C

From that little video, you've got a jet engine in the back that has to act as both turboshaft and turbojet (thrust in forwrad flight once props are folded back ... or is that a turboprop/shrouded fan for thrust in forward flight?)

Is it clear whether or not the prop/rotor things electric drive or driven by that engine in the back.

Neat idea.

Interesting - and challenging. A quick look at the claimed capibilities, exotic looks etc makes me wonder if Paul Moller is now working with Terrafugia;)

Moller M400 Skycar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2 words - wing loading

The development of small reliable electric drive motors built onto drive shafts (and now built into wheel hubs) a la Tesla motors, reduces the need for any turbine to be used on the road.

This new one is built into the wheel hub, 31kg for the wheel, which delivers 100HP and 1000Nm and acts as a regenerative brake.

Protean Electric

This company first showcased an eclass mercedes with this technology a few weeks ago.
Battery could be charged from the turbine in flight.

Mickjoebill

Interview with Terrafuga's Carl Dietrich on the TF-X here.

I/C

Can you imagine (a) the cost of buying and maintaining one and (b) the idiot flying it :ooh::eek:

Good luck with getting it certified...

I have yet to see the answer to the obviously unconsidered scenario of parking your Terrafugia at the local shopping mall/carpark/fast food joint, and having the thoughtless oik who parks next to you, throw his door open with gusto, thereby promptly slamming it into your folded wing, leaving a major scar.

Said oik promptly says, "Oops, sorry, mate! - and walks off, carefree - leaving you to survey enough wing damage to ensure your previously airworthy Terrafugia, is now only suitable for driving the 500NM back home. :ugh:

for some reason it reminds me of this

http://www.carautoportal.com/car-ima...citroen-bx.jpg

Nice for a party trick, shiny websites or willy waving, dead in the water as realistic transport.

We've been seeing grandiose ideas like this almost since aviation began and none have got close to doing what they claimed. Why? because the construction and operation requirements of a car and an aeroplane simply aren't compatible.

Its like trying to make a hybrid of a cow and a chicken.