Terrafugia Transition - Closer Than You Think

Specs

• Manufacturer: Terrafugia
• Type: Light Sport Aircraft
• Class: MotorcycleLight-Sport Airplane (LSA)
• Propulsion system: 100 hp Rotax 912 S (four-stroke)
• Top Speed: air, 100 kts, road 51 mph
• Zero-to-60: NA
• MPG: 30mpg (air as well as road)
• Vehicle range: air, 400 nautical miles (460 miles); road, 80 miles
• Fuel(s): Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes, but minimal
• Estimated Price: $194,000

The Manufacturer Says

“The Transition® is a roadable Light-Sport Aircraft that will be able to land at the airport, fold up its wings, and drive on the road.”

The Critics Say...

"While it’s not the sort of flying car you might imagine where you can just decide to fly over a traffic jam on a whim, it is a step forward in the flying-car dream and fills a small niche market of aviation enthusiasts who want to drive their plane to the airport and then fly it somewhere." -- Motor Authority

Overview

The Transition is a two-seat road-worthy light aircraft currently under development by Terrafugia, a privately held and funded company began in 2004 by pilots and engineers out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The company is led by aeronautical whiz kid and Lemelson-MIT Student Prize winner Carl Dietrich (a name we all may be very, very familiar with in the future), and the Transition’s current completion date is late 2008 with a late 2009 delivery.

What We Like

Commitment to safety. Terrafugia boasts a safety cage, crumple zones, airbags, a number of in-built pre-flight safety measures, and the possibility of a full-vehicle parachute (approval pending, but that’s hard not to like).

An insurance package. While this is preliminary, the web site offers a pdf file suggesting a “customized insurance package for Transition owners” that would extend coverage to both auto body and aircraft hull. This is uncharted territory, and proof that, if nothing else, the folks at Terrafugia are trying to think of everything.
The transition technology. According to the web site, the transition from plane to car (folding up of the wings, etc) will require nothing more than the push of a button.
The fuel. The 100 hp Rotax four-stroke engine will run on LPG, a far better alternative to conventional gasoline, at least in this instance.
The price. The current price estimate is $148,000.

What We Don’t Like

The class. As a Light-Sport Airplane, the Transition will require a pilot’s license, and no auto-pilot technologies are planned for the aircraft. That said, it will only require a Sport Pilot’s license, which doesn’t take nearly as long as a traditional license.
The performance. The Transition will be something of a gas guzzler, earning around 30 mpg in the air and on the road.

Moller Skycar - Long Time Coming

The M400 kicks off a sweet daydream. Who can’t, after a gasp, imagine themselves cruising at 36,000 feet, zooming along at 360 mph in your own personal flying car, tunes cranking at full blast? Sadly it’s simply too difficult to take it all very seriously.

Specs

• Type: Personal Air Vehicle (PAV)
• Manufacturer: Moller International
• Propulsion system:Eight Rotapower duel-fuel Engines
• Top Speed: 375 mph
• Zero-to-60: NA
• MPG: NA
• Vehicle range: 750 miles
• Fuel(s): Ethanol or gasoline
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes

The Manufacturer Says

“Moller International has developed the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle the world has ever seen.”

The Critics Say...

“It would look right at home on the set of Bladerunner or the latest Star Wars film, but the Moller M400 Skycar… is definitely for real.” —- gizmag.com

“This matter involves a fraudulent, unregistered offering and the filing of a fraudulent Form 10-SB by Moller International, Inc. ("MI" or "the company"), a California company engaged in the development of a personal aircraft known as ‘the Skycar.’”—From Securities and Exchange Commission v. Moller International Inc and Paul S. Moller, Defendants (U.S.D.C., Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division, Civil Action No. 2:03-CV-261)

Overview

So much of the automotive industry runs on the fumes generated by hype; how much air can you blow? And it’s very easy, even for jaded industry veterans, to fall for it, generally because you want to believe. One look at the 4-passenger Moller M400 Skycar and we don’t much care who you are, this is a dynamo—hustler and hooker, the collective futurecars dream.

Then we wake. And it’s a mess. Of the manufacturer’s claims quoted above, namely that the M400 is “feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle”, the one that is hardest to accept—and that almost ruins the dream for us—is the VTOL aspect. This technology requires an extraordinary amount of force and thrust. The manufacture claims it can achieve this with “a patented thrust deflection vane system that redirects thrust.” Could be, but to get an idea of how successful the far-better-funded US Army has been with VTOL, read about the V-22 Osprey. Or better yet, read about the RAF’s Harrier Jump Jet, with which the M400 claims some technological affinity.

What We Like

The design and the cockpit. In the video on this site, watch Adam Savage from Mythbusters gush when he gets in. He’s gushing for all of us, because that is one killer cockpit, purely because of what it suggests for the future.

The fuel. Ethanol, with some suggestion that compressed natural gas (CNG) might also be feasible.

The safety. Emergency parachutes (you won’t likely see that again anytime soon in a car review).

What We Don’t Like

The efficiency. After gasping at so many of the web site’s proposed specifications, 20 mpg is a bit of a disappointment.

Milner AirCar

Specs

• Type: Road-able aircraft
• Manufacturer: Milner Motors
• Seats: 4
• Doors: 4
• Empty Vehicle Weight: 1800 lbs
• Max Gross Weight: 3000 lbs
• Dimensions (Air Mode): 200" long, 28 ft wingspan, 66" tall
• Dimensions (Ground Mode): 200" long, 84" wide, 78" tall
• Engine Power (Air Mode): Dual 160HP ducted fans
• Engine Power (Ground Mode): 40 HP engine
• Cruise Speed (Air Mode; 75% Power): 172 KTAS
• Range @ 75% Power (Air Mode): 900 nm
• Maximum Speed (Ground Mode): 85 MPH
• Wheel Base (Air Mode): 128"
• Wheel Base (Ground Mode): 166"
• Front Shoulder and Head Room: 56" and 45"
• Rear Shoulder and Head Room: 54" and 43"

The Manufactures Says

“The patented Milner AirCar will be a completely self-contained four-door, four to five-seat advanced-composite road-able aircraft (flying Car) with foldable main wing in the rear of the vehicle and a canard in the front.”

Overview

Founded in 2005, Washington and Vancouver-based Milner Motors is backed by James Milner, a former United Airlines pilot with a solid technical background, and Chris Milner, an instrument-rated pilot.

Their AirCar is at the very early stages, as they’re currently putting together a non-flying prototype. The wings fold into a 7 ft by 6 ft box that contains both ducted fans as well as vertical stabilizers.

What We Like

The price. Not that we’re thrilled with an early-stage estimate of $450,000, but at least Milner is being realistic. And that, we like. Call it a breath of fresh air.

The cockpit. It’s a computer simulation of the dashboard, but holy hell it looks fantastic. The only disappointment is the steering wheel—it looks rather pedestrian set against two jazzy screens featuring instruments and navigation.

The kit plans. We’re reading that Milner has plans to sell the AirCar initially as a build-it-yourself kit until they have federal certification to sell a fully-built vehicle. We’ve seen this before and if this is what it takes to build the necessary revenue, so be it (unless the kit price is $450,000).

What We Don’t Like

The fuel. It’s hard to knock them for plans to use conventional gasoline, but this is a futurecars site, concerned with the reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.

Persu Hybrid: Tilting Towards Production

The Persu three-wheel hybrid has a uniquely devoted following. Persu needs to strike the iron while it's hot: if this vehicle does land in the $25,000 range, it will be an extremely expensive hybrid of limited practicality trying to find a market in a depressed economy.

Specs:

* Type: Plug-in parallel gas/electric hybrid
* Class: Motorcycle
* Manufacturer: Persu Mobility
* Propulsion system: Electric motor + ICE with 6 gallon tank
* Top Speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
* Zero-to-60: About 6 seconds
* Electric range: 20 miles (32 km)
* Total range: 400 miles (643 km)
* Fuel(s): Electric & gasoline
* Fuel efficiency: 75 MPGe
* Battery system: Lithium-ion
* Time to full battery recharge: Unknown
* Tailpipe emissions: Yes
* Price: Unknown
* Availability: Unknown

The manufacturer says

"The Persu Hybrid is a revolutionary, two-passenger, fully enclosed, tilting three-wheel vehicle that incorporates a full complement of unique, patented technology and the most proven components available. With a level of expectation for daily use, this unique vehicle can corner like a high performance sports car, providing one of the most exhilarating and unique driving experiences possible."

Overview

Formerly known as VentureOne Vehicles and based on the European Carver One, the newly branded Persu Mobility Hybrid comes with a number of changes: branding, specs, design, and even ownership, as co-founder Ian Bruce has left the company. CFO Phil Oseas appears to be at the helm.
As recently as April 2, Oseas spoke with the Persu forums and assured them that the specs are legit and, despite some setbacks, the vehicle is still on track for the Automotive X-Prize.
By way of comparison, when Persu was VentureOne they were pitching 2 models: a hybrid and an EV (and there's reason to believe those plans haven't been abandoned) and the hybrid's combined range was then listed at 300 MPGe. Otherwise, the top speed and zero-to-60 are unchanged. The original suggested pricing was $20,000 for the hybrid and $25,000 for the EV. Persu has not released a cost estimate for the redesigned model.

What we like

The tilt. The Persu utilizes the patented Dynamic Vehicle Control system (DVC ™), an electro-hydraulic tilt-steering control technology developed by Carver Engineering in the Netherlands and incorporated in the Carver One. The best way to see for yourself just how exhilarating this technology is—without actually driving it yourself—is to go to Persu's home page and watch the video demo by the folks at BBC's Top Gear. That is genuine and fully infectious enthusiasm.

The local helmet laws. What most 3-wheeled vehicle web sites fail to mention is that vehicles registered as motorcycles in most US states by law require a helmet. California is an exception, which, they point out, is one reason the Persu is scheduled for launch in the Golden State.

The safety. Driver airbags, side-impact rails and steel roll-cage frame combine with the Persu's extreme maneuverability contribute to the commitment to safety that Persu has made.

Flowair by Zero Pollution Motors

You certainly can't accuse MDI/ZPM of lacking ambition. With such a well-developed line of products in the works and a PR department working overtime, the FlowAIR brand is angling to hit the French and US markets and hit them hard. The proposed costs are more than reasonable, especially if the specs stack up or even come close to doing so.

Specs:

• Type: Compressed air vehicle (CAV)
• Manufacturer: Moteur Development International / Zero Pollution Motors
• Propulsion system: 6 cyl. 75 hp engine that electronically injects compressed air
• Top Speed: 96 mph (154 km/h)
• Vehicle range: 848 miles
• Fuel(s): Compressed air (3200 ft3 @ 4500 psi)
• Fuel efficiency: 106 mpg (on an 8 gallon tank)
• On-board charger: 5.5 kwh 110/220 v compressor generating 812 ft3 /hr
• Tailpipe emissions: No

The manufacturer says

"The compressed air vehicle is a new generation of vehicle that finally solves the motorist’s dilemma: how to drive and not pollute at a cost that is affordable!"

Overview

France-based Moteur Development International and New York-based Zero Pollution Motors (MDI/ZPM) originally launched their line of compressed air vehicles under different names than the ones used today. They have undergone substantial changes, including a general rebranding of the entire vehicle line under one name, the FlowAIR.The FlowAIR brand features five models that vary widely. I'll look at four of them (I'm omitting the MultiFlowAIR, designed for mass transportation). All models are center-driven (meaning the driver is positioned in the middle of the vehicle) and will be made available directly from the factory, without dealer mark-ups or other associated costs.

PAL-V One: Future Fantasy Trike

A descendent of technology first introduced in the 1920s, the PAL-V One—cynically referred to as a 'tricycle helicopter' and a 'flying tricycle'—recently completed a proof-of-concept test flight that garnered responses from opposite ends of the critical spectrum.

General

• Type: Flying car
• Class: Motorcycle
• Manufacturer: PAL-V Europe NV
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes
• Price: NA
• Availability: 2011

Road

• Top Speed: 125 mph (180 km/h)
• Zero-to-60: 8 seconds
• Vehicle range: 500 miles (800 km)
• Fuel(s): Conven tional gasoline
• Fuel efficiency: 38 mpg

Flight

• Maximum speed: 97 knots (127 mph, 185 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 80 knots (93 mph, 150 km/h)
• Maximum rate of climb: 800 feet/minute
• Range: 245 NM (280 miles, 450 km)

The manufacturer says

"PAL-V Europe NV is building everybody’s dream in mobility: a full-fledged flying and driving vehicle, the PAL-V One …a solution to increasing congestion

in our cities, highways and skyways."

Overview

Dutch-based manufacturer PAL-V Europe is led by mechanical engineer John Bakker who, after several years of R & D, produced the PAL-V One ('Personal Air and Land Vehicle'), a single-passenger, three-wheeled vehicle with a three-pronged approach to transportation and technology, incorporating a car, a motorcycle, and a gyrocopter.

On the ground, the driver folds away both rotor and propeller in order to drive the roads, although no indication is given as to how long this transition might take. On the road, the PAL-V One incorporates the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC™) technology pioneered in the 3-wheeled Carver One and later, the Persu Mobility Hybrid. Safe take-off requires a space of around 650 feet x 100 feet (200x30 meters). During take-off, a foldable pusher propeller provides the propulsion required for autorotation while the rotor provides the necessary lift. In flight, autorotation means the rotor is not dependent on the engine, but on aerodynamic forces; thus in theory the pilot is protected from catastrophic engine failure. Since the PAL-V One is a gyroplane, it offers the pilot control over pitch, roll and yaw; the first two by way of tilting the rotor, the last (yaw) by way of a rudder—controls familiar to pilots of fixed wing aircraft.

Insurance for a car

Here are the things you should know about car insurance when involved in an accident to help avoid ending up in a bad situation or making a bad decision.

Immediately find out if your policy was active at the time of the accident. Even if you were hit and it was not your fault, not being insured can still get you into legal and financial trouble.

Did you know?

• Some state laws suspend your license if you were not insured at the time of an accident; regardless of fault.
• Liability coverage does not cover your vehicle if you are found liable. In that case, the coverage may only cover other vehicle’s damages and occupant’s medical injuries.
• Liability coverage has limitations and any damages in excess of the total limits may be left unpaid and due by the at-fault party.
• Full coverage may not actually provide “full coverage”. There are limitations to every coverage, see your policy or ask your agent to explain what would no be or only be partially covered.
• You may have to pay a deductible if the other party was uninsured or if it was your fault. (only applies if physical damage was included in the policy)
• Your own insurer may not provide you with a rental car unless you paid a premium for “rental car coverage”.
• You may have to pay towing charges if you didn’t have “towing” included in your policy.
• You are responsible for getting the other party’s information such as driver’s license number, plate number, insurance company name and policy number.
• You must contact your carrier to file a claim.
• You may hav e the right to choose your own body shop or repair facility.
• Salvage vehicle may not be valued equally to a non-salvaged vehicle.
• You can contact your state’s department of Insurance to file complaints if you feel your claim was not handled fairly.
• Most companies do not want you to admit fault because you may think you are at fault when you really were not.
• Most policies only offer minimal medical coverage for their policyholders. (different from medical in jury liability)
• You may be able to negotiate your car’s value if you are being paid in the event of total loss.
• Owing on a loan a larger amount than the vehicle is worth may leave you in debt to the loaning institution in the event of the total loss. This is because claims are paid on vehicle value and not loan balance. Consider GAP coverage to avoid this situation which pays for the remainde r of the loan balance.

If you are hit by

another car and the collision was not your fault, it is important to be able to prove that i

t was not your fault. If possible, make a police report so that the details are recorded and witnesses can

also provide unbiased statements of what actually occurred. Beware of a common situation where no police reports are made and fault cannot be proven; therefore, the accident fault is spread 50/50 to both parties. This would be unfair because even though you may be the one to be struck by another driver, you may have to seek repairs from your own insurance company or from out-of-pocket.

The normal procedure is that in the event of an accident, the insurers take a statement from each driver and review the information on the police report to determine fault. If there is no report made by police, unbiased witness statements can be golden; there fore, if you are not able to obtain a report, it is helpful to obtain contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident to help support your statement.

To learn more, visit OnlineAutoInsurance.com’s Learning Center and brush up on your auto insurance knowledge. Also, whether currently insured or not, take advantage of the free online car insurance quotes comparison from multiple companies so that you avoid paying more than you should. Cheap auto insurance is within reach by comparing the rates of top companies.