2010: Where are the flying Cars?
by Irvin De La Paz on 07/01/10 at 7:55 pm
O.K, We are already in 2010 and where are the flying cars ? With that sentiment, the guys that brought you the internet (DARPA) has another new exciting challenge. The project name is the TX project.
“DARPA said the vehicle will need to be able to drive on prepared surface and light off-road conditions, as well as support Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) features. The TX will also support range and speed efficiencies that will allow for missions to be performed on a single tank of fuel. DARPA said the TX will ‘provide the flexibility to adapt to traditional and asymmetric threats by providing the operator unimpeded movement over difficult terrain. In addition, transportation is no longer restricted to trafficable terrain that tends to makes movement predictable.’ Michael Conney”
Terrafuga Flying Car
The TX project wants to promote technology development for “flying cars” but even if the project succeed on drawing interest in
the private industry, there are many questions left to be answer about flying cars and the automobile industry. There is already several companies, including Terrafuga which manufactures flying cars that uses high octane gasoline for a sell price of $ 194,000.00. With the economy down the adoption are many years to be considered an affordable transportation for the majority. Add to the fact that current regulations in USA by the Federal Aeronautic Agency, the department of Trasportation and National Highway of Traffic Satefy Administration makes not only the manufacturing of flying cars difficult but the required licenses very troublesome and expensive. Because the difficulties discussed previously, no wonder why car manufacturers had not made a move to create a flying car (especially with the bailouts) . Nonetheless other companies have stepped up to the plate despite the technical challenges.
One of the biggest obstacle right now is that urban infrastructures ( workplaces, houses, malls etc) lack proper facilities of accomodations, landing /take offs for flying cars (airplane, car). A flying vehicle that could take off vertical and occupy the same amount of space of a typical car would be a better solution. Addressing this
Pal-V Flying Car
limitation European company PAL-V will soon manufacture an helicopter/car hybrid but dont expect to be cheap.
With many companies attacking the problem, the future of flying cars are more real than ever. Lets hope technological breakthoughts make the cost of one of this babies affordable in the future
A mechanical engineer trying to make a difference while learning, experimenting and applying different technologies. If you would like to contribute to this blog you can contact him at irvin de la paz @ upr. edu.
harsha
Oct 2nd, 2010
i m a mechnical enginering studnt.. i m also curious about the flying cars.. visiting dis page was really intresting..
even i want to design a flyin car….
edumacated one
Jun 21st, 2011
if you are a mechanical engineering student, then go back to grade school learn some english.
“dis” is not a word. “This” is……….. “Dat” is not a word “That” is….
Who the heck taught you english, yo mamma?
What school would graduate someone who can’t speak proper english?
Yeah, you’re the guy I want designing MY stuff, ha ha ha ha….
charle
Jul 20th, 2011
neither is ‘yo’. TWAT
Rich Strong
Mar 13th, 2011
You are cordially invited to see my StrongMobile Flying Car Project at http://www.strongware.com/dragon. You can view a 2-minute video of my full-size mockup model and consider the part about “Busting the Myths”.
I would greatly appreciate any opinions or recommendations you may care to offer.
Rich Strong (Major,USAF,Retired)
25 Years From Now…What Will the World Be Like? « mnewma3
Apr 7th, 2011
[...] a button and you’re out the door. Instead of driving to class with all the traffic, you take your flying car avoiding the traffic which will get you to class right on time looking cute! Instead of typing your [...]
good idea
Jul 27th, 2011
25 years from now, you still think students will be going to class for education?
Joshua
May 9th, 2011
Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
farty guy
Jun 21st, 2011
I think one of the requirements for the TX car should be “cost of ownership”. Who but the very rich can afford a 100,000 car? Build one that costs 20,000 to buy.
You know dern well that anyone who builds one is going to want a small fortune for it.
However I can hear it now “I fly a Ford”, or “Dodge…#1 in flying cars”….”Chevy, pick from your choice of 5 flying vehicles”.
what ever happened ot the flying platform? I always though that was the way to go….single person…goes straight up or flys in any direction.
Brainiac
Jun 21st, 2011
You give me the money, and I’ll hire the personnel, and have your car on the road ,ready for mass production, and you laughing your a off (because you have one) in 2 years. All it takes is a working brain, with todays technology, and the right people..
mark
Jul 2nd, 2011
thanks for making me laugh because the other guy can’t spell. I wish i had an moller autovolanter. or one flying car at urban aero.
jack
Jul 19th, 2011
becauce ther is malversation hhhhhhhhhhhh
Burák
Nov 22nd, 2011
Božííí autíčko :* chtěla bych ♥
tedi
Nov 27th, 2011
süüppeerr