Q: How difficult is it to change from car to plane mode and plane to car mode?
A: Changing modes is very easy. The pilot can fold or unfold the wings with the push of a button without leaving the cockpit. This is part of the Transition®’s charm and unique practicality. The wings fold via hinges at two points for each wing and are driven by a linear electric actuator at the root of each wing. A clutch transfers engine power from the wheels to the propeller.
Q: Is the propeller in use on the ground?
A: No, the propeller is locked in place when the vehicle is in ground-transportation mode. A clutch disengages the engine from the propeller and engages the front wheels. While the same power plant is used in both modes, the propeller is safely locked in place on the ground.
Q: How many people does the Transition® seat?
A: As per the Light Sport Aircraft regulations, the Transition® seats two people, side-by-side.
Q: What about blind spots on the ground?
A: Rear visibility is limited in the Transition® when in roadable configuration. However, a number of different tactics are being considered to mitigate this including a rear-vision camera system (similar to those already on the market in several high-end SUV’s and motor homes).
Q: Will the Transition® have reverse?
A: Yes, the Transition® will have a manual continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the capability to drive in reverse.
Q: Will the Transition® fit in my garage?
A: The Transition® was designed to fit into a standard household garage. At 6.75 ft (2.1 m) high, 6.5 ft (2.0 m) wide, and 18.75’ (5.7 m) long, the Transition® will fit anywhere that you could park a larger SUV such as a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, and will fit inside a 7’ garage and a standard parking space.
Q: How fast will the Transition® drive on the ground?
A: The Transition® will be fully highway capable and able to easily reach the speed limit. A 100hp engine in a vehicle as light as the Transition® will provide ample power on the ground.
Q: How fast will the Transition® fly?
A: At 75% power, the anticipated cruising speed of the Transition® is 100 kts (115 mph, 185 km/hr). For more information about flight characteristics and other specifications, please see the Vehicle Page.
Q: How will the Transition® handle on the ground and in the air?
A: The Transition® will drive like a car on the ground and be controlled like a normal small airplane in the air. On the road, the Transition® should handle well – it will be light weight, tightly controlled, and slightly overpowered. Due to its light weight and large side surface area, the Transition® will be more sensitive to side gusts on the road. However, the Transition® is aerodynamically stable on the ground as well as in the air, so a strong gust might cause minimal fish-tailing, but the vehicle will self-correct. Also, the center of gravity is low and well inside the wide wheel base of the vehicle, giving the Transition® good stability on the ground.
Q: Can I take off from the highway?
A: No. In addition to power lines, billboards, overpasses, and other obstructions that make this idea unsafe, the Transition® will have to be parked with the engine off in order to deploy the wings and engage the propeller. It is also illegal in most states (emergency landings excluded).
Q: How much runway do I need to take off and land the Transition®?
A: The Transition® will need about 1700 ft (520 m) to take off over a 50 ft obstacle, but only a few hundred to land. Since you don’t have to take off and land at the same airport with this vehicle, the shorter landing distance does afford the pilot more options.
Will the Transition® have air conditioning ?
A: Air conditioning will not be standard due to weight limitations. Based on customer demand in areas with warmer climates, Terrafugia anticipates offering air conditioning as optional equipment.
Will the Transition® have auto pilot?
A: A pilot's license is required to operate the Transition®. The state-of-the-art technology is still far different from the popular conception of auto pilot. Actual avionics packages for the Transition® have not yet been finalized.
How much cargo space is available in the Transition®?
A: The Transition® will have 550 lbs (250 kg) useful load and 20 cubic feet (0.6 cu. m) of cargo space. The cargo compartment will have sufficient length to cary skis or fishing poles.
How wide is the cabin in the Transition®?
A: The Transition® will have a cabin width of 50" (1.3 m).