August 1, 2007
A PDF of this release is available here.
Video from Oshkosh 2007 is available here.
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The Terrafugia Team with the Transition® Proof-of-Concept folding wing in Terrafugia's space at AirVenture in Oshkosh , WI in July 2007. From left to right, behind wing: Richard Gersh, Ben Zelnick, Carl Dietrich, Tom McGuire; middle row: Andrew Heafitz, Carl Engel, Chris Rezek, Jordan Kusch, Rob Dietrich; front row: Samuel Schweighart, Alex Min, Anna Dietrich, and Raj Narisetti. (Click on image for a larger view.) |
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The flight weight Proof-of-Concept Folding Wing for the Transition ® Roadable Light-Sport Aircraft as displayed in Terrafugia's exhibit at Oshkosh 2007. This is the first automated wing folding mechanism for a general aviation aircraft. (Click on image for a larger view.) |
Returning for a second year at the greatest event in general aviation, Terrafugia was pleased to add flight-weight proof-of-concept hardware and the 1/5 th scale remote controlled model of the Transition® to its exhibit. The proof-of-concept wing is the first full-scale hardware to be completed for the initial Transition® prototype, which is currently under construction in the company's prototyping facility in Woburn , MA . Over the course of the show, the wing was cycled through a complete fold and extend process over 500 times. This represents roughly five years of anticipated usage. Terrafugia's engineering team is very pleased with the results of this cycle testing as no fatigue problems were encountered with the wing design.
The proof-of-concept wing, like much of the full vehicle, is constructed using carbon fiber and Kevlar composite materials with aluminum hard points bonded into the lay-up. When extended and locked, both the over-center lock at the root of the wing and the double-redundant latch at midspan are visibly locked and flush with the skin of the aircraft. This allows for an easy and fail-safe preflight as the pilot can both see and touch the locks, confirming the wing is ready for flight loads. As per ASTM Light-Sport Aircraft standards, the wing is designed for +4 G and -2 G loads.
Unlike other Light-Sport Aircraft wings, the Transition® proof-of-concept wing sports two blue bumper strips near the tip of the wing to protect against door dings when the Transition® is parked with wings folded on a parking lot. Dual electromagnetic locks were in place to hold the wing tight to the fuselage when folded. The same linear electric actuator that folds and extends the wing also mechanically holds the wing in the stowed position.
Terrafugia estimates that 15,000-20,000 guests visited the company's tent over the course of the week-long show.
Terrafugia also used the show as an opportunity to build relationships with other aviation companies, including avionics suppliers, major aviation underwriters, and engine dealers. Over the course of these conversations, the ground work was laid for an insurance package for Transition® owners that will keep their costs within the range of other LSA packages. Look for a future press release with the details of this package.
Additionally, the order book for Transition® delivery reservations grew over the course of the show and the overall response to the vehicle was highly positive.
Terrafugia would like to thank everyone that came by to offer input and encouragement, as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for putting on another excellent event!
About the Experimental Aircraft Association
EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, is a growing and diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. EAA was founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee , Wisconsin , who were interested in building their own airplanes. Through the decades, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters and contemporary manufactured aircraft.
More information can be found online at: www.eaa.org
About AirVenture Oshkosh
AirVenture, held in Oshkosh, WI by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), is the single greatest annual event in aviation. With attendance of 650,000 and over 10,000 aircraft flying in, Wittman Regional Airport becomes the busiest airport in the world for the full week of the show.
More information can be found online at: www.airventure.org
About Terrafugia
Terrafugia, which is derived from the Latin for "escape from land," was founded by graduates of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the MIT Sloan School of Management. Terrafugia was incorporated in 2006. Based in Woburn , Massachusetts , Terrafugia combines solid aircraft design fundamentals with a focus on creativity and customer service.