Flying concept car adopts hybrid electric design
Staff
General DPNTerrafugia has premiered the new Outer Mold Line for the TF-X, the four-seat, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) hybrid electric aircraft.
The design is said make flying easier and safer than ever before.
The updated Outer Mold Line (OML) design for the TF-X was developed in collaboration with Ben Schweighart and Transportation/Automotive Designer Vedran Martinek.
In addition, a one-tenth scale wind tunnel test model of the TF-X has been successfully developed based on the new OML, and is currently on display at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.
The model will be tested at the MIT Wright Brothers wind tunnel, the same tunnel that was used to test models of Terrafugia’s Transition.
The wind tunnel test model will be used to measure drag, lift and thrust forces while simulating hovering flight, transitioning to forward flight and full forward flight.
Terrafugia’s vision of TF-X technical oOperations:
• A fixed wing street-legal aircraft with electric ground drive and electric power assist on takeoff and landing.
• TF-X will be able to recharge its batteries either from its engine or by plugging in to electric car charging stations.
• TF-X will be capable of “auto-landing” at approved landing sites within approved weather limits.
Development of TF-X is expected to last 8 to 12 years.
