Terrafugia 'Flying Cars' May Go On Sale in 2011
After several years in development, Terrafugia's "flying car" could be available for sale before the end of next year.
Setting up shop in its new manufacturing plant in Woburn, Mass., Terrafugia is aiming for low-volume production of its "flying car," or Transition Roadable Aircraft, as early as late 2011, the company announced Wednesday.
For the longer haul, plans for high-volume production are uncertain and would depend on how well low-volume manufacturing goes. In the general aviation industry, low volume is typically tens or dozens of aircraft each year, while high volume can reach the mid-hundreds, according to Terrafugia.
Terrafugia is currently building two prototypes of the Transition in the new plant. One is scheduled to go through extensive drive testing, while the other will take to the skies to obtain certification as a light sport aircraft. The company will determine the price of the vehicle based on the time and expense creating the prototypes. But once the Transition hits the market, it's likely to sell for between $200,000 and $250,000.