01 July,2010 11:58 AM IST | | Agencies
A car which can fly if caught in a traffic jam is soon to become a reality as the US aviation authority has given its nod for commercial production of "ligth sport" aircraft.
The aircraft "Terrafugia Transition", which requires 1,700-feet runway to take off, will be the smallest aeroplane with a maximum weight of 1,320 lb (about 600 kg).
The two-seater Transition can use its front-wheel to drive on roads, with wings folded, while it can take off from an adequately sized piece of flat land with the help of rear-facing propellor, unfolding electrically powered wings, The Telegraph reported.
Its cruising speed in the air is 115 mph (185 kph) with a range of 460 miles (735 km) , and it can carry 450 lb.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has granted special exemption to the vehicle, allowing it to be classified as a light sport aircraft despite being 120 lb over the limit.
Light sport aircraft licences require just 20 hours' flying time, making them much easier to obtain than full private licences.
The manufacturer of the aircraft Terrafugia says that one of the major advantages of the Transition over ordinary light aircraft is safety. In the event of inclement weather, it can simply drive home instead of either being grounded or flying in unsafe conditions.
According to the company, 70 people have already booked the car, with a deposit money of $10,000 each. The car is expected to cost $194,000.
