Flight Testing And Modeling Basis For Next Prototype Currently In Production

By Maxine Scheer

Attendees at the opening day of EAA AirVenture Monday were provided an update on the progress of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car" and the unveiling of a scalable model of the Beta Prototype (stage 2) next generation design. "Terrafugia has been incubated at EAA", said EAA President Tom Poberezny at Monday's news conference. Poberezny speculated the first flight of the next generation Transition would occur at AirVenture in 2011.

Specifications shared today on new design features added to the Transition include:

• Automotive-style crash safety features, including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle and rigid safety cage.
• A customized, intuitive touch-screen interface to the cockpit.
• Improved airfoil design and wing folding-mechanism.
• Changes to the empennage to improve engine efficiency.
• Rear-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Terrafugia's engineering talents, many of whom were groomed at MIT, are taking advantage of an extensive array of computer modeling techniques, in addition to data acquired during drive and flight testing which first began in March 2009. These include advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with Fluent, finite element analysis (FEA) with CATIA V5 and simulated crash testing - complete with airbag deployment and digital crash test dummies. "Terrafugia's Transition is the only light sport aircraft to simulate crash testing in this manner," said Terrafugia President Dr. Carl Dietrich.

 
(L-R)  Dr. Carl Dietrich, Tom Poberezny

During an AeroTV interview in October 2009, Dietrich noted that the prototype introduced at AirVenture 2008 had just been released from the paint shop without the engine being started. However, following the 2008 event, the company made significant progress on the prototype, which made at least 28 flights, the first one occurring in March 2009 from Plattsburgh, NY. As reported by ANN in June, Terrafugia received an exemption from the FAA to allow the Transition a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1430 pounds (650 kg) to accommodate the structure and equipment necessary for compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) which are not found in other Light Sport Aircraft.

The aircraft will remain configured for two passengers and Dr. Dietrich estimates fuel consumption to average 5 gallons per hour. When asked about the potential for an all electric version of the Transition, Dr. Dietrich remarked that the weight issues associated with battery technology for aircraft were in the way of that option, but "who knows what's in the future?", said Dietrich.

Terrafugia began taking refundable deposits back in 2006, and as of today, reports having received about 80 orders. "Production is underway on the next generation design of the Transition", said Dr. Dietrich, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2011. Terrafugia anticipates appearing on the road this year at various trade shows and events, "with support from EAA along the way", said Poberezny.

Terrafugia Model

Terrafugia's initial estimate for a purchase price of $194,000 is being reconsidered, with more information to come at future announcements. The Terrafugia management team credited the creation of the Light Sport Category of Aircraft as the catalyst to being able to develop a buildable and marketable LSA, capable of both flying and driving. Since it will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), the Transition will require at least a Sport Pilot license to fly and a valid driver's license for use on the ground.

Terrafugia (terra-Foo-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, was founded by five pilots who are award-winning graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors, private investors, and as with most strong startups, is supported by a highly dedicated team of engineers and other professionals. Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.

FMI: www.terrafugia.com