A flying car model is on display at the General Aviation and Satellite Industrial Park in WEDZ. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
Transition, or TF-1 – a type of car that can be used on land or in the air developed by Terrafugia Inc owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group – has attracted worldwide attention. The company is based in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ).
TF-1 is as wide as a regular vehicle, features a sleek appearance and is able to fold its wings while operating on roads. The wings extend out before taking flight.
The car can hold a total of 850 kilograms while flying, with a cruising speed of 167 kilometers per hour and a cruising altitude of 3,000 meters. The aircraft can carry two passengers and consumes the same amount of oil as cars with 2.0T engines.
According to Terrafugia, while TF-1 is still in the research stages, its XC-25 drone has been produced on a large scale. There are currently five models of the drone with different exteriors and take-off weights.
"We have received many orders for XC-25," said Chu Jianying, a staff member in charge of the drone project. The product has so far generated 30 million yuan ($4.7 million) in income for the firm.
Terrafugia will reportedly launch its second production line in October to churn out drones weighing above 150 kg next year.
