Terrafugia TF-X Flying Formula

grabcad

Terrafugia's innovative vehicle aims to transport two or four people seamlessly through the sky and streets. The key challenges in designing a flying car are keeping it as light as possible while maximizing its air penetration and lift force. A regular car silhouette doesn't meet these requirements, so Terrafugia focuses on optimizing these factors. Prioritizing movement in the sky is essential, with benefits including greater distance per unit of time, higher speed, and lower consumption. To achieve this, a glider fuselage that accommodates two people and allows maximum air penetration is used. This choice also provides more space for folding wings and engine blades close to the body. The TF-X concept, designed to carry four people, required increased rotor diameter for vertical takeoff. The choice between three or four wheels is made, with a three-wheeler solution deemed less bulky, lighter, and creating less air resistance. This choice is supported by Aptera's example. A collaboration between Terrafugia and Aptera could be beneficial, as Aptera has already demonstrated success in this area. Various models from the GrabCAD library were used in designing the vehicle, including a glider fuselage, Rotax 912 engine, three-blade propeller, Turbo Prop turbofan, and sport's car seats.