Terrafugia TF-X

We have seen the future of automobiles, and some of them will take to the skies. Starting off, there’s the Terrafugia TF-X, which has an air cruising speed of 200 mph, and a range 500 miles (805 km) without needing to refuel or recharge. If the driver sets it in automatic mode, they’ll be able to automatically avoid other air traffic, along with inclement weather, restricted airspace and tower-controlled airspace. That’s not all, this flying car will also automatically land itself at the destination – manual override is included should they notice any hazards at the chosen landing site. Continue reading for more.

5. GF7

Designed by Greg Brown and Dave Fawcett, the GF7 is essentially a cross between a business jet with a luxury automobile. It drives on electric motors while on the ground, but then can extend its wings and use a 3,500-lb thrust jet engine to fly to 38,000 ft (12,000 m) at speeds of up to 550 mph (885 km/h). In flight, the wheels and tires will retract into the fuselage for streamlining. Plus, twin vertical tails support a wide horizontal stabilizer in the back for additional support.

4. Black Knight Transformer

AT’s Black Knight Transformer combines the capabilities of a helicopter and an off-road vehicle, and is designed to hover at altitudes of up to 10,000 ft (3,050 m). It sports 8 rotors, with a high-speed computerized feedback control system managing the differential thrust between opposing sets of prop-rotors to provide stability and control. On land, it can reach speeds of 70 mph (112 km/h) using a similar suspension to those found in off-road trucks.

3. PAL-V

PAL-V may be on the small side, but it’s still an aerodynamic tilting three-wheeled flying car designed to combine the handling of a motorbike with a mechanical-hydraulic dynamic tilting mechanism automatically adjusting the tilt angle of the vehicle while cornering. It’s powered by a 160 kW flight certified gasoline engine that enables it to go from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph). Once in the air, PAL-V can reach a maximum speed of 97 kts (180 km/h/112 mph), with a minimum speed of 27 kts (50 km/h/31 mph) required for level flight. Since it’s designed to operate below 1,200 m (4,000 ft), it flies within the airspace reserved for uncontrolled Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic, so no flight plan is required.

2. Terrafugia Transition

At $279,000, the Terrafugia Transition is a light sport and purportedly street-legal airplane. Rotax 912ULS piston engine powered, carbon-fiber vehicle is planned to have a flight range 489-miles using either automotive premium grade unleaded gasoline or 100LL avgas and a cruising flight speed of 107mph. Equipment includes a Dynon Skyview glass panel avionics system, an airframe parachute, and an optional autopilot.

1. Aeromobil

While it may look like a concept, the Aeromobil is a fully-functional flying car. At 980-pounds, Slovakian Engineer Stefan Klein’s creation features a 19-foot long body, Rotax 912 engine, carbon-coated steel frame, and collapsible wings. With room for two, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 124 mph and take off and land. Klein says: “I’m very happy with what we were able to achieve in such a short time with the team of only 12 people. AeroMobil 3.0 is not the end of a challenging project, it’s the beginning of a whole new adventure which may change the way how we look at the personal transport in the future.” No word yet on official pricing or availability.

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A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.