Terrafugia News Releases
"Flying Car" Moves Closer to First Delivery
Design of Next Generation Transition® Unveiled
Oshkosh,WI – July 26, 2010: At a press conference today at AirVenture, Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", released specifications and computer graphics of the exciting new Transition®.
Terrafugia chose AirVenture, the center of the aviation universe, to unveil a scale model of the next generation design,
currently under construction at Terrafugia's facility inWoburn, MA, to both the aviation press and aircraft enthusiasts
alike. Deliveries of the Transition® are scheduled to begin in late 2011.
The improvements to the design are based on data acquired during drive and flight testing of the Proof of Concept (POC)
Transition®, successfully completed in 2009, and extensive computer-aided design and optimization. The recent grant of
110 pounds (50 kg) by the FAA for the Transition® within the Light Sport Aircraft category also allows the next
generation design to incorporate modern automotive-style safety features currently unavailable in other light aircraft.
Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with Fluent®, finite element analysis (FEA) with CATIA® V5 and simulated
dynamic crash testing - complete with airbag deployment and digital crash test dummies - have all been used to
optimize the design and build confidence that the vehicle will meet the stringent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Terrafugia's Transition® is the only light sport aircraft to simulate crash testing in this manner. When
combined with a full-vehicle ballistic parachute system and the ability to drive in bad weather, the Terrafugia team
expects the Transition® will prove itself to be one of the safest LSAs in the world.
Some features of note in the next generation design include:
- Automotive-style crash safety features including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle
and a rigid safety cage to protect the occupants.
- A customized, intuitive touch-screen interface in the cockpit.
- An improved wing with an optimized airfoil and a folding mechanism that operates smoothly & safely from
inside the cockpit.
- A pusher propeller with an open empennage that makes efficient use of the 100 hp Rotax 912S mid-mounted
engine in flight and is locked in place when driving.
- Rear-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and tuned independent suspension for
responsive road handling.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based inWoburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have
been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and
supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of
personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
For more information, high resolution images, or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia:
+1-781-491-0812, visit http://www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com
Updated specifications can be found online at http://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html
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The Transition® Roadable Aircraft Receives
Additional 110 pounds
FAA Grants Terrafugia Extra Takeoff Weight for Road Safety Features
Woburn, MA -- June 17, 2010: Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition ® Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", has received an exemption from the FAA to allow the Transition ® a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1430 pounds (650 kg). This additional weight accommodates the structure and equipment necessary for compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) which are not found in other Light Sport Aircraft. Items such as airbags, an energy absorbing crumple zone, and a protective safety cage will increase safety both on the road and in the air. Exclusively applicable to the Transition ® , the FAA's grant of an additional 110 pounds will allow a competitive useful load while providing a revolutionary level of crash safety in a Light Sport Aircraft.
By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition ® reduces the cost, inconvenience, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. In addition to the enhanced protection afforded by applying automotive crash safety technology to light planes, the Transition ® reduces the potential for an accident by allowing pilots to drive under bad weather instead of potentially flying into marginal conditions.
Classified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition ® requires a Sport Pilot certificate to fly and is designed to drive on public roadways and park in a standard garage. Terrafugia successfully completed flight and drive testing of its Proof of Concept Transition ® in 2009. Refundable airframe reservations are being accepted with first delivery scheduled for late 2011.
Computer graphics of the production prototype design will be unveiled at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on July 26, 2010 at Terrafugia's exhibit at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
Terrafugia would like to thank the EAA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA), & Women in Aviation International (WAI) for their support.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia: +1-781-491-0812, visit http://www.terrafugia.com , or e-mail: press @terrafugia.com
Images may be downloaded from http://press.terrafugia.com
FAA Docket ID: FAA-2009-1087
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March 2, 2010
Senators ‘Driven’ to Keep Jobs in Massachusetts
Transition® “Flying Car” Plans to Expand Manufacturing Operations
Woburn, MA – March 2, 2010:
Massachusetts legislators, including Senate Transportation Committee co-chair Steven Baddour (D-Methuen) and Sen. Ken Donnelly (D-Arlington) will visit the development facility of the Transition® “Flying Car” at a meeting on Monday March 8, 2010 at 1pm.
The prototype development facility for the Transition® will be open to the press during this meeting. There will be photo opportunities of the actual proof of concept “flying car” which successfully completed its initial flight-test program last year.
The legislators will be invited to sit in the vehicle and learn about the Transition’s technology while discussing the potential for creating hundreds of new jobs in Massachusetts. Investors and public officials from out-of-state have been in discussion with Terrafugia regarding substantial packages combining private and public funding that would require relocating the design team outside the Commonwealth. An MIT spin-off company, Terrafugia is actively looking for ways to keep its jobs and innovation in the Boston area.
Terrafugia, Inc. (ter-ra-FOO-gee-ah), is the manufacturer of the Transition® street-legal airplane which pilots can fly between local airports and drive on any road. Based in Woburn, MA, the company is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
If you wish to send a photographer/camera crew or attend the meeting,
please contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia by COB on Friday March 5, 2010:
+1-781-491-0812, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com
Where:
Terrafugia Inc.
5 Cranes Court
Woburn, MA 01801
When:
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Images and broadcast-quality video of Terrafugia’s flight testing may be obtained by e-mailing press@terrafugia.com
www.terrafugia.com
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June 3, 2009
“FLYING CAR” SOARS THROUGH FLIGHT TESTING
Transition® Roadable Aircraft Moves on to Next Stage of Development
Woburn, MA – June 3, 2009: Terrafugia, Inc. has successfully completed the flight testing program designed for its Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. Having been dubbed “The Flying Car”, the Transition® completed its historic first flight on March 5, 2009 with 27 additional flights completed over the next several weeks.
The successful completion of flight-testing with the Proof of Concept concludes the first stage of a four stage process to bring the Transition® into production. Work is underway on Stage 2, the Beta Prototype. First delivery is expected in 2011.
The Proof of Concept vehicle is the first and only Transition® to be built thus far. It has now achieved its goals by demonstrating driving, flying, and automated transformation between the two in one integrated aircraft. The flights conducted a plan set specifically for the Transition®: characteristics such as handling, performance, and take-off and landing, stability and stall were evaluated. B-Roll footage is available of representative flights. The flight-testing program demonstrated the safety of the vehicle in the air while identifying modifications that will be incorporated into the next Transition® model to be built, the Beta Prototype.
Test Pilot Colonel (Retired) Phil Meteer had a positive review of flying the POC: “I would like to keep flying this Proof of Concept vehicle, but it makes sense to move on to the Beta Prototype.”
Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® requires a Sport Pilot certificate to fly. It is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road. Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds. The Transition® will cruise up to 450 miles at over 115 mph, will drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage. The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight. Both modes are powered by unleaded automotive gasoline. By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition® reduces the cost, inconvenience, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather. Refundable airframe reservations are currently being accepted.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
Terrafugia would like to acknowledge and thank its corporate sponsors: Ansys, Nor-Tech, SolidWorks Corporation, and CableOrganizer.com. Additionally, the following business partners have contributed to a successful flight testing program by furnishing equipment and services: SpaceAge Controls, Garmin International, Dynon Avionics, CO Guardian, David Clark Company, Bose Corporation, Telex Communications, Aloft Technologies, Icom Inc., JH Audio, and Air Graphics LLC.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia +1-781-491-0812, visit www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com
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March 18, 2009
HISTORIC TAKEOFF MAKES “FLYING CAR” A REALITY
The Transition® Roadable Aircraft Completes
Successful First Flight
Boston, MA – March 18, 2009: Terrafugia, Inc., a game-changing aircraft company, announced today the first flight of its Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. Often referred to as a “flying car”, the Transition® is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road. Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds.
An historic milestone for aviation, the flight comes after six months of static, road and taxi testing. The Transition® cruises up to 450 mi at over 115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage. The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight. Both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas station.
“This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility. Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. It’s what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918,” says Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia.
By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition® reduces the cost, hassle, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather.
For its first flight, the Transition® was flown by Phil Meteer, Colonel, USAFR (Retired) at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY. The chase aircraft was piloted by Giora Guth.
Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® requires a Sport Pilot license to fly. The Proof of Concept will undergo additional advanced flight and drive testing and a pre-production prototype will be built and certified before first delivery. Refundable airframe reservations are being accepted.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
The Transition® will temporarily be on exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston on March 18, 2009.
Terrafugia would like to acknowledge and thank its corporate sponsors: SolidWorks Corporation and CableOrganizer.com. Additionally, the following business partners have contributed to a successful first flight by furnishing equipment and services: Garmin International, Dynon Avionics, CO Guardian, David Clark Company, Bose Corporation, Icom Inc. and Air Graphics LLC.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Anna Mracek Dietrich at Terrafugia (781) 491-0812, visit www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com
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January 23, 2009
Terrafugia COO Anna Mracek Dietrich chosen as a
"Woman to Watch"
Mass High Tech honors 10 women in technology with 6th Annual “Women to Watch” Awards
Newspaper will recognize achievements of 10 top women executives from New England technology companies
BOSTON – Ten women who excel in technological innovation, entrepreneurship and community involvement are being honored as leaders in their field through the 6 th Annual “Women to Watch” Awards, announced today by Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England Technology.
The publication, working with an advisory panel drawn from some of the region's leading academic and business institutions, selected the 2009 honorees, who exemplify the best and brightest among women at the highest level of technology businesses in New England.
The 10 women will be recognized as an evening gala at the Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, on Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The women are being honored for their outstanding dedication to technology, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and civic responsibility.
“This is our sixth year honoring women working throughout the innovation economy. Each time we go through the nomination process, we are amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit of women doing great things within the largest corporations and the smallest startups,” said Douglas Banks, Mass High Tech editor.
“These women are bringing technologies out of the labs and into markets where they can benefit all of us, whether in life sciences, information technology, alternative energy or transportation,” said Michael Olivieri, MHT's publisher. “But beyond their contributions as technologists, each gives back to the community in their own way. ”
The nomination process closed in early January, with almost 100 submissions received. A short list of 25 candidates was created, and the advisory committee met to make final 10 selections.
The Women to Watch program offers a positive view of a segment of the business community, women who have proven accomplishments, and are viewed as industry leaders of the future. of their successes ahead of them.
The 10 Women to Watch in 2009:
* Jill Becker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge NanoTech Inc. in Cambridge
* Sangeeta Bhatia, Co-founder, Hepregen Corp. in Winchester and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology, MIT
* Amy Cueva, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Mad*Pow in Portsmouth, N.H.
* Heather DeJesus, Director of Program Management, Azima DLI in Woburn
* Anna Mracek Dietrich, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Terrafugia Inc. in Woburn
* Sandra Glucksmann, Senior Vice President Research and Business Operations, Cerulean Pharma Inc. in Cambridge
* Susan Leschine, Founder and Chief Scientist, Qteros Inc. in Marlborough and Professor, Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
* Ronnie Maffa, Director of Social Software Product Development, IBM Corp.
* Mondira Pant, Lead Technologist, Intel Corp.
* Yvonne Spicer, Vice President, National Center for Technological Literacy, Museum of Science Boston
The Mass High Tech article is here.
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