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The Terrafugia Transition® Roadable Aircraft flying! |
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Thursday, 05 March 2009 |
March 5, 2009 The Terrafugia Transition® Roadable Aircraft flying! TheTerrafugia Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept successfully completed its first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY on March 5, 2009. The Transition® lifted smoothly off of Runway 17 in the early morning light. The first flight was conducted within the runway environment and demonstrated the aircraft's stability and controllability. After 37 seconds, Col. Meteer executed a smooth landing and taxied safely to a full stop.
The flight comes after six months of drive testing and taxi testing.
Following a successful full vehicle inspection, flight testing continued with six additional flights proving out the vehicle's aerodynamics and smooth handling characteristics.
"This flight is a symbol of a new freedom in aviation. It's what enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918," says CarlDietrich, 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.
The Transition® was flown by Phil Meteer, Colonel, USAFR (Ret). The chase aircraft was piloted by Giora Guth. Said Col. Meteer: "The first flight was remarkably unremarkable. I've flown several thousand hours in everything from Piper Cubs to F-16s and the Transition® flew like a really nice airplane." The Transition's stability and controllability in flight were demonstrated in a series of initial flights following the first takeoff and landing.
Now that the concept has been proven, the Terrafugia team will begin the process of adapting the lessons learned from this vehicle to the design of the next prototype.
Footage and video of the flight testing as well as comments from the test pilot are now available through www.terrafugia.com. |
