Even more than an end to hunger and war, it seems like the biggest thing people want from the future is the flying car. Perhaps it’s because no one has ever promised us peace, but everyone seems to promise the flying car. Now, The FAA has just approved Terrafugia for flight tests of a scale model of their attempt at the world’s most sought after tech.
Terrafugia’s TF-X is a hybrid 4-seater that converts from a sedan to a flying vehicle with a jet propulsion and rotary take off and landing so you don’t need a runway. The flight portion is completely computer controlled so you don’t have to worry about screwing up the take off, landing, or navigation.
The sad thing is that it’s not the full car that the FAA has approved for testing. it’s a 2 foot long 3D printed model of the car that is not allowed to carry more than 55 lbs, go more than 400 ft up or go faster than 100 MPH. The actual car will have a cruising speed of 200 MPH.