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Terrafugia News Releases

• June 28, 2012: Phase One Flight Testing a Success (PDF)
• April 2, 2012: Second Generation Transition® Street Legal Airplane Takes Flight(PDF)
• March 1, 2012: Worldwide Auto Show Debut of Terrafugia’s Street Legal Airplane(PDF)
• June 30, 2011:Department Of Transportation Grants Terrafugia Exemption Requests(PDF)
• June 10, 2011: Terrafugia Adjusts Transition® Delivery Schedule(PDF)
• November 30, 2010: "Flying Car" Company Awarded Substantial Defense Work(PDF)
• September 8, 2010: "Flying Car" Company Moves into Initial Production Facility(PDF)
• July 25, 2010: "Flying Car" Moves Closer to
  First Delivery(PDF)
• June 17, 2010: The Transition® Roadable Aircraft Receives Additional 110 Pounds(PDF)
• March 2, 2010: Senators "Driven" to Keep Jobs in Massachusetts(PDF)
• June 3, 2009: “Flying Car” Soars through
  Flight Testing (PDF)
• March 18, 2009: Historic Takeoff Makes “Flying Car” a Reality (PDF)
• Jan. 23, 2009: Terrafugia COO is "Woman to Watch"(PDF)

Phase 1 Flight Testing a Success for Transition® Street-Legal Airplane
Terrafugia continuing to move forward with drive and
flight testing of “Flying Car”

Woburn, MA (June 28, 2012) - The Terrafugia Transition® production prototype has completed the first phase of its flight test program.  Phase 1 flight testing, conducted at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY, allowed Terrafugia to check off many critical early testing objectives for the Transition® program.  “It’s a real airplane; we’re flying it whenever we want, for as long as we want,” said Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich.  

Test items accomplished include power on and power off handling, aircraft stability, engine cooling evaluation, and propeller setting optimization in various flight conditions.  Five more flight test phases are planned.

The production prototype is now moving into drive testing to explore the ground drivetrain, suspension tuning, braking performance, and road handling.

“We have great momentum going in our testing program,” said Terrafugia COO Anna Mracek Dietrich. “Our top priority this summer is flight and drive-testing, in anticipation of certifying compliance with the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards.”

The Transition® was flown by Chief Test Pilot and Director of Flight Test Operations Col. Phil Meteer (US Air Force-Retired).  The chase aircraft was flown by Giora Guth.  Terrafugia wishes to thank Plattsburgh International Airport (KPBG) and Sheltair Aviation at KPBG for their hospitality.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilots and engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors.   The company name is Latin for “escape the earth.”  Terrafugia’s mission is to design and deliver revolutionary, practical air and land vehicles that provide freedom, flexibility and fun to their loyal customers.

The Transition® is classified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). 
Specifications can be found online athttp://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html. 
Video from Phase 1 Flight Testing can be watched at:http://terrafugia.com/VideoPhase1FlightClips.html

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Major Milestone takes "Flying Car" Closer to First Delivery

Second Generation Transition® Street-Legal Airplane Takes Flight

New York, NY & Woburn, MA – (April 2, 2012):
The Transition® Street-Legal Airplane is now a significant step closer to being a commercial reality.  The production prototype of the Transition® Street-Legal Airplane completed its successful first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY on March 23, 2012.  The same vehicle has also successfully conducted initial drive and conversion testing, demonstrating the Transition’s capability to provide unmatched freedom, flexibility and fun in personal aviation.  Developed by Terrafugia, Inc., the Transition® is a two seat personal aircraft capable of driving on roads and highways, parking in a single car garage, and flying with unleaded automotive fuel.

“The successful first flight of this Production Prototype Transition® marks a critical move toward initial production and first delivery,” said COO Anna Mracek Dietrich.  The Production Prototype phase of the Transition® program follows Proof of Concept work which included a flying, driving Proof of Concept vehicle and was completed in 2009. The Production Prototype program includes two vehicles and is being used to develop and inform the manufacturing tool-up and compliance program necessary to begin commercial deliveries.    Terrafugia will continue its testing program in preparation for first delivery, which is expected to occur within the next year.

Regarding this first flight, Terrafugia CEO/CTO and co-founder Carl Dietrich said: "The first flight of the Transition® Production Prototype is a major milestone for Terrafugia.   With this flight, the team demonstrated an ability to accomplish what had been called an impossible dream. We look forward to continuing to show that the challenges of bringing a practical street legal airplane to market can be overcome.  This is a very exciting time for Terrafugia.  We are on our way up – literally and figuratively!"

The Transition’s first flight reached an altitude of 1400’ above the ground and lasted eight minutes while staying in the vicinity of Plattsburgh International Airport.  It demonstrated the controllability and safe operational characteristics of the aircraft.  Six phases of flight testing are planned to continue development and demonstrate compliance to the Light Sport Aircraft standards.

Speaking about the first flight, Terrafugia Chief Test Pilot Phil Meteer said: “It’s a remarkable vehicle both on the road and, now, in the air.  When I drove it into the shop, literally from the road through the garage door, I was amazed that I had just flown it at Plattsburgh a few days before.  A long-overdue mode of transportation and fun is just around the corner.  I can’t wait for the upcoming flight tests and the chance to ‘wring it out’, demonstrating how safe and enjoyable the Transition® is to fly.”

The Transition® Production Prototype is on display at the New York International Auto Show April 6-15th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. 
Terrafugia would like to thank Giora Guth, Chief Chase Pilot, as well as the teams at Plattsburgh International Airport, Sheltair Aviation, and Lawrence Municipal Airport, for their support of our ground and flight testing operations.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilots and engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors.   The company name is Latin for “escape the earth.”  Terrafugia’s mission is to design and deliver revolutionary, practical air and land vehicles that provide freedom, flexibility and fun to their loyal customers.

The Transition® is classified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). 

Specifications can be found online athttp://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html.  Please emailpress@terrafugia.com for stock photo and video.

Click for aPDF of this release.

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Worldwide Auto Show Debut of Terrafugia’s Street Legal Airplane

New York, NY & Woburn, MA - (March 1, 2012): The Transition® Roadable Aircraft, developed by Terrafugia, Inc., makes its auto show debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), April 6th through the 15th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.  After years of testing and engineering breakthroughs, Terrafugia has decided it is time to share their unique product with the legions of fans attracted to the NYIAS.

Show Director Alan Liebensohn is “…thrilled to have Terrafugia at the Show this year. “ He adds, “The Transition®is a truly unique vehicle that represents an enormous step forward in how we view personal transportation and individual freedom.  We know it will be a huge crowd pleaser.”

Anna Mracek Dietrich, COO of Terrafugia, explains, “We selected the New York International Auto Show to continue the roll-out of the Transition® because of the value this show brings in terms of exposure to future owners, investors, and partners.  The NYIAS is a venue from which we can show the first practical street-legal airplane to the world while meeting the people who will be part of its commercial success in the years to come.  New York is the perfect place to accomplish all of this.”

During the press preview portion of the NYIAS, Terrafugia will  present the latest generation Transition® production prototype as well as details of the company’s future plans.
Public attendees at the show will get up-close and personal with the street-legal vehicle, witness wing-folding demonstrations, and meet some of the staff behind the futuristic design.  Video of the Transition® in flight and on the road will also be shown, allowing convention-goers to see the future of personal transportation in action.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilots and engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors.   The company name is Latin for “escape the earth.”  Terrafugia’s mission is to design and deliver revolutionary, practical air and land vehicles that provide freedom, flexibility and fun to their loyal customers.

The Transition® is classified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). 

Specifications can be found online athttp://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html.

Notes to Editors:
Requests for interviews and appearances prior to and during the show can be made to the contact information below:

Contact: Steven Moscaritolo, Terrafugia, Inc.
Telephone: (877) 883-4773
E-mail: press@terrafugia.com

Click for aPDF of this relesase.

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Department of Transportation Grants Terrafugia Exemption Requests

The Transition® becomes the first “flying car” to receive such consideration

Woburn, MA – June 30, 2011:  Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft officially received a grant of all of the special exemptions it had requested from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Terrafugia’s Transition® is the first combined flying-driving vehicle to receive such special consideration from the Department of Transportation since the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards came into being in the 1970s.

These exemptions pave the way for Terrafugia to begin deliveries once Terrafugia’s rigorous Transition® certification testing program is complete. Extensive analysis and simulated crash testing are also being employed with industry partners to ensure that the Transition® meets all other applicable crash safety standards.  The Transition® is the only light airplane to have undergone this high level of crash safety design and analysis.  It is also the first to incorporate automotive safety features such as a purpose-built energy absorbing crumple zone, a rigid carbon fiber occupant safety cage, and automotive-style driver and passenger airbags.

These exemptions allow the Transition® to use tires that are appropriately rated for highway speeds and the vehicle weight but are not ordinarily allowable for multi-purpose vehicles.  The same tires were used successfully on the Transition® Proof of Concept that was flight and drive tested in 2009. 

Traditional laminated automotive safety glass would add significant weight to the Transition® and could fracture in such a way as to obscure the vision of the pilot in the event of a bird impact.  This exemption allows the use of polycarbonate materials that provide comparable protection to the occupants at significant weight-saving without shattering or crazing – improving the safety of the Transition®. 
In the exemption text, NHTSA states: “We further conclude that the granting of an exemption from these requirements would be in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of traffic safety.”
In 2010, the Transition® was granted an additional 110 pounds allowance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in a prior exemption action by the DOT.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is small aerospace company founded by pilot/engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors.  Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

The full text of the exemption as published in the Federal Register can be found inPDF andonline.

Click for aPDF of this press release.

Specifications for Terrafugia’s Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition®, can be foundhere.

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Terrafugia Adjusts Transition® Delivery Schedule

Woburn, MA – June 10, 2011:  Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft, or “Flying Car”, announced a delay to its projected delivery schedule for the Transition® on its electronic newsletter.  The delay resulted from a combination of production design challenges and problems with third party suppliers.  The company has declined to go into more detail, but maintains its continued commitment to the success of the Transition® program.

For the past year Terrafugia has been focused on the development of prototype production tooling and processes as well as the construction of two Transition® production prototype vehicles. The goal of demonstrating of one of these vehicles at AirVenture 2011 was announced at AirVenture 2010.  Such a demonstration will not happen at the show this year.  In a letter to newsletter subscribers, Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich stated:

“It remains our goal to show one of the two production prototypes at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI this July, but the vehicle will not be ready to fly at the show.  This is similar to the stage that the Proof of Concept (POC) vehicle was in at Oshkosh 2008 (i.e. mostly complete but untested).  If we extrapolate from our experience with the POC, the first test flights would be expected in March of next year.  To appropriately set expectations and adjust our scheduling margins based on recent experience with suppliers and other key third party contributors, we feel it is necessary to extend our anticipated first delivery date to late 2012…”

“…Our team continues to be committed to pushing the schedule forward as quickly as possible, but safety and quality must remain our top priorities – particularly as we begin our rigorous testing program.  We will continue to focus our efforts on developing the safest, most convenient, and most fun personal aircraft the aviation world has ever seen.  I believe that the Transition® will be worth the wait, and we sincerely appreciate your support as we continue to overcome the challenges associated with bringing this revolutionary product to market.”

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is small aerospace company founded by pilot/engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors.  Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

For more information, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia:
+1-781-491-0812, visit http://www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail:press@terrafugia.com

Specifications for Terrafugia’s Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition®, can be found online at http://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html
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"Flying Car" Company Awarded Substantial Defense Work

Terrafugia, Inc. to work with AAI Corporation on DARPA
Transformer (TX) Project

Click on an image for a larger version. Credit AAI Corporation for all TX images.

Woburn, MA – November 30, 2010:  The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched a $65M program to develop a four person flyable and roadable vehicle.  Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft, or “Flying Car”, is the largest subcontractor to one of two winning teams, led by AAI Corporation and comprised of other Textron companies.

The vehicle, known as the Transformer, or TX, would function like a Humvee on the ground while also providing helicopter-like mobility.  The result will be “unprecedented capability to avoid traditional and asymmetrical threats while avoiding road obstructions,” according to a DARPA announcement.  Intended missions include medical evacuation, avoidance of improvised explosive devices, remote resupply, and Special Forces insertion.  The vehicle will be able to travel 280 miles by land and air, using vertical take-off and landing to increase access to difficult terrain, and automating flight controls to enable operation by non-pilots.

Phase I of the five year, three-phase program will focus on conceptual design of both a prototype and a production vehicle.  Phases II and III will focus on the design and manufacture of the prototype, which could be ready as early as first quarter 2015. 

The work calls for Terrafugia's expertise in drive and flight integration, deployable flight surfaces, and automotive crash safety for an aircraft.  Chief Executive Officer Carl Dietrich says, "This DARPA program effectively leverages Terrafugia's core competencies and enables us to grow from a pure GA company to an emerging aerospace company with both general aviation and defense development programs.  Our strong team of Terrafugia engineers with recent experience designing and building a dual purpose vehicle will bring a unique perspective to the TX program that is highly valued by DARPA and the other contractors on our TX team."

The TX program represents an opportunity for Terrafugia to rededicate members of its engineering team as its primary business, the Transition(R) Light Sport Aircraft Program, moves forward on schedule from detailed design to fabrication, testing and production in the second half of 2011.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006.  Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

For more information, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia:
+1-781-491-0812, visit http://www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

Specifications for Terrafugia’s Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition®, can be found online at http://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html

Images and more information may also be obtained from AAI Corporation:
http://www.aaicorp.com/news_events/current_news/10_11_15.html

and DARPA:
http://www.darpa.mil/news/2010/transformer.pdf

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"Flying Car" Company Moves into
Initial Production Facility

Terrafugia, Inc. setting up low-volume production in Woburn, MA

Woburn, MA – September 8, 2010:  Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft, or “Flying Car”, is setting up for low-volume production in a 19,000 sq. ft. facility in Woburn, MA.  After considering proposals from locations throughout the U.S. and the world, Terrafugia has moved forward with plans that could allow low volume production to begin as early as late 2011. Longer term, high volume production plans have not yet been finalized and will be influenced by experience gained in low volume manufacturing.

Following an enthusiastic response to the release of the next generation design of the Transition®at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in July, two prototypes are currently under construction in Terrafugia’s new facility. One will undergo extensive drive testing while the other will be used to complete Light Sport Aircraft certification flight testing. Experience from the construction of these prototypes will also be used to finalize the initial price point of the vehicle, which is expected to be between $200,000 and $250,000. 

Terrafugia expects to create an additional fifty skilled manufacturing jobs at its new facility by 2013 to support early production demand.  Reservations have already been placed for the aircraft that will be built in the first two to three years of production and are still being accepted with a $10,000 refundable deposit.

Chief Operating Officer Anna Mracek Dietrich has been energized by the move: “It is exciting to be in the facility where the first Transitions will be built for our customers and to see the production prototypes under construction in that space.”  CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich is looking ahead to long term financial stability for the company: “We can get to positive net income and be self-sustaining in a relatively short time here. There are still many options to continue our growth in the future, but this move lets us lay a solid foundation for Terrafugia’s future today.”  Dietrich also adds: “We’re pleased to be able to set up low volume production near our company’s roots here in Massachusetts.”

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006.  Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

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"Flying Car" Moves Closer to First Delivery

Design of Next Generation Transition® Unveiled

Oshkosh,WI – July 26, 2010: At a press conference today at AirVenture, Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", released specifications and computer graphics of the exciting new Transition®. Terrafugia chose AirVenture, the center of the aviation universe, to unveil a scale model of the next generation design, currently under construction at Terrafugia's facility inWoburn, MA, to both the aviation press and aircraft enthusiasts
alike. Deliveries of the Transition® are scheduled to begin in late 2011.

The improvements to the design are based on data acquired during drive and flight testing of the Proof of Concept (POC) Transition®, successfully completed in 2009, and extensive computer-aided design and optimization. The recent grant of 110 pounds (50 kg) by the FAA for the Transition® within the Light Sport Aircraft category also allows the next generation design to incorporate modern automotive-style safety features currently unavailable in other light aircraft. Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with Fluent®, finite element analysis (FEA) with CATIA® V5 and simulated dynamic crash testing - complete with airbag deployment and digital crash test dummies - have all been used to optimize the design and build confidence that the vehicle will meet the stringent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Terrafugia's Transition® is the only light sport aircraft to simulate crash testing in this manner. When combined with a full-vehicle ballistic parachute system and the ability to drive in bad weather, the Terrafugia team expects the Transition® will prove itself to be one of the safest LSAs in the world.

Some features of note in the next generation design include:

• Automotive-style crash safety features including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle and a rigid safety cage to protect the occupants.
  
• A customized, intuitive touch-screen interface in the cockpit.
  
• An improved wing with an optimized airfoil and a folding mechanism that operates smoothly & safely from
  inside the cockpit.
• A pusher propeller with an open empennage that makes efficient use of the 100 hp Rotax 912S mid-mounted
  engine in flight and is locked in place when driving.
• Rear-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and tuned independent suspension for
  responsive road handling.
  

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based inWoburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

For more information, high resolution images, or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia: +1-781-491-0812, visit http://www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

Updated specifications can be found online athttp://www.terrafugia.com/aircraft.html

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The Transition® Roadable Aircraft Receives
Additional 110 pounds

FAA Grants Terrafugia Extra Takeoff Weight for Road Safety Features

Woburn, MA -- June 17, 2010: Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition ® Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", has received an exemption from the FAA to allow the Transition ® a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1430 pounds (650 kg). This additional weight accommodates the structure and equipment necessary for compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) which are not found in other Light Sport Aircraft. Items such as airbags, an energy absorbing crumple zone, and a protective safety cage will increase safety both on the road and in the air. Exclusively applicable to the Transition ® , the FAA's grant of an additional 110 pounds will allow a competitive useful load while providing a revolutionary level of crash safety in a Light Sport Aircraft.

By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition ® reduces the cost, inconvenience, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. In addition to the enhanced protection afforded by applying automotive crash safety technology to light planes, the Transition ® reduces the potential for an accident by allowing pilots to drive under bad weather instead of potentially flying into marginal conditions.

Classified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition ® requires a Sport Pilot certificate to fly and is designed to drive on public roadways and park in a standard garage. Terrafugia successfully completed flight and drive testing of its Proof of Concept Transition ® in 2009. Refundable airframe reservations are being accepted with first delivery scheduled for late 2011.

Computer graphics of the production prototype design will be unveiled at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on July 26, 2010 at Terrafugia's exhibit at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

Terrafugia would like to thank the EAA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA), & Women in Aviation International (WAI) for their support.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia: +1-781-491-0812, visithttp://www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

Images may be downloaded fromhttp://press.terrafugia.com

FAA Docket ID: FAA-2009-1087

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March 2, 2010

Senators ‘Driven’ to Keep Jobs in Massachusetts

Transition® “Flying Car” Plans to Expand Manufacturing Operations

Woburn, MA – March 2, 2010:

Massachusetts legislators, including Senate Transportation Committee co-chair Steven Baddour (D-Methuen) and Sen. Ken Donnelly (D-Arlington) will visit the development facility of theTransition® “Flying Car” at a meeting on Monday March 8, 2010 at 1pm.

The prototype development facility for theTransition® will be open to the press during this meeting.  There will be photo opportunities of the actual proof of concept “flying car” which successfully completed its initial flight-test program last year.

The legislators will be invited to sit in the vehicle and learn about theTransition’s technology while discussing the potential for creating hundreds of new jobs in Massachusetts.  Investors and public officials from out-of-state have been in discussion with Terrafugia regarding substantial packages combining private and public funding that would require relocating the design team outside the Commonwealth.  An MIT spin-off company, Terrafugia is actively looking for ways to keep its jobs and innovation in the Boston area.

Terrafugia, Inc. (ter-ra-FOO-gee-ah), is the manufacturer of theTransition®street-legal airplane which pilots can fly between local airports and drive on any road. Based in Woburn, MA, the company is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

If you wish to send a photographer/camera crew or attend the meeting,
please contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia by COB on Friday March 5, 2010: +1-781-491-0812, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

Where:
Terrafugia Inc.
5 Cranes Court
Woburn, MA 01801

When:
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Images and broadcast-quality video of Terrafugia’s flight testing may be obtained by e-mailing press@terrafugia.com

www.terrafugia.com
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June 3, 2009

“FLYING CAR” SOARS THROUGH FLIGHT TESTING

Transition® Roadable Aircraft Moves on to Next Stage of Development

Woburn, MA – June 3, 2009:  Terrafugia, Inc. has successfully completed the flight testing program designed for its Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept.  Having been dubbed “The Flying Car”, the Transition® completed its historic first flight on March 5, 2009 with 27 additional flights completed over the next several weeks.

The successful completion of flight-testing with the Proof of Concept concludes the first stage of a four stage process to bring the Transition® into production.  Work is underway on Stage 2, the Beta Prototype.  First delivery is expected in 2011.  

The Proof of Concept vehicle is the first and only Transition® to be built thus far.  It has now achieved its goals by demonstrating driving, flying, and automated transformation between the two in one integrated aircraft.  The flights conducted a plan set specifically for the Transition®:  characteristics such as handling, performance, and take-off and landing, stability and stall were evaluated.  B-Roll footage is available of representative flights.  The flight-testing program demonstrated the safety of the vehicle in the air while identifying modifications that will be incorporated into the next Transition® model to be built, the Beta Prototype. 

Test Pilot Colonel (Retired) Phil Meteer had a positive review of flying the POC: “I would like to keep flying this Proof of Concept vehicle, but it makes sense to move on to the Beta Prototype.”

Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® requires a Sport Pilot certificate to fly.  It is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road.  Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds.  The Transition® will cruise up to 450 miles at over 115 mph, will drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage.  The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight.  Both modes are powered by unleaded automotive gasoline.  By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition® reduces the cost, inconvenience, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation.  It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather.  Refundable airframe reservations are currently being accepted.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006.  Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

Terrafugia would like to acknowledge and thank its corporate sponsors: Ansys, Nor-Tech, SolidWorks Corporation, and CableOrganizer.com.  Additionally, the following business partners have contributed to a successful flight testing program by furnishing equipment and services: SpaceAge Controls, Garmin International, Dynon Avionics, CO Guardian, David Clark Company, Bose Corporation, Telex Communications, Aloft Technologies, Icom Inc., JH Audio, and Air Graphics LLC.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Richard Gersh at Terrafugia +1-781-491-0812, visit www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

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March 18, 2009

HISTORIC TAKEOFF MAKES “FLYING CAR” A REALITY

The Transition® Roadable Aircraft Completes
Successful First Flight

Boston, MA – March 18, 2009:  Terrafugia, Inc., a game-changing aircraft company, announced today the first flight of its Transition® Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept.  Often referred to as a “flying car”, the Transition® is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road.  Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds. 

An historic milestone for aviation, the flight comes after six months of static, road and taxi testing.  The Transition® cruises up to 450 mi at over 115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage.  The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight.  Both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas station.

“This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility.  Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience.  It’s what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918,” says Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia.

By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition® reduces the cost, hassle, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation.  It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather. 

For its first flight, the Transition® was flown by Phil Meteer, Colonel, USAFR (Retired) at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY. The chase aircraft was piloted by Giora Guth.

Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition® requires a Sport Pilot license to fly.  The Proof of Concept will undergo additional advanced flight and drive testing and a pre-production prototype will be built and certified before first delivery.  Refundable airframe reservations are being accepted.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006.  Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia’s mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

The Transition® will temporarily be on exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston on March 18, 2009.

Terrafugia would like to acknowledge and thank its corporate sponsors: SolidWorks Corporation and CableOrganizer.com.  Additionally, the following business partners have contributed to a successful first flight by furnishing equipment and services: Garmin International, Dynon Avionics, CO Guardian, David Clark Company, Bose Corporation, Icom Inc. and Air Graphics LLC.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Anna Mracek Dietrich at Terrafugia (781) 491-0812, visit www.terrafugia.com, or e-mail: press@terrafugia.com

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January 23, 2009

Terrafugia COO Anna Mracek Dietrich chosen as a
"Woman to Watch"

Mass High Tech honors 10 women in technology with 6th Annual “Women to Watch” Awards

Newspaper will recognize achievements of 10 top women executives from New England technology companies

BOSTON – Ten women who excel in technological innovation, entrepreneurship and community involvement are being honored as leaders in their field through the 6 th Annual “Women to Watch” Awards, announced today by Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England Technology.

The publication, working with an advisory panel drawn from some of the region's leading academic and business institutions, selected the 2009 honorees, who exemplify the best and brightest among women at the highest level of technology businesses in New England.

The 10 women will be recognized as an evening gala at the Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, on Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The women are being honored for their outstanding dedication to technology, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and civic responsibility.

“This is our sixth year honoring women working throughout the innovation economy. Each time we go through the nomination process, we are amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit of women doing great things within the largest corporations and the smallest startups,” said Douglas Banks, Mass High Tech editor.

“These women are bringing technologies out of the labs and into markets where they can benefit all of us, whether in life sciences, information technology, alternative energy or transportation,” said Michael Olivieri, MHT's publisher. “But beyond their contributions as technologists, each gives back to the community in their own way. ”

The nomination process closed in early January, with almost 100 submissions received. A short list of 25 candidates was created, and the advisory committee met to make final 10 selections.

The Women to Watch program offers a positive view of a segment of the business community, women who have proven accomplishments, and are viewed as industry leaders of the future. of their successes ahead of them.

The 10 Women to Watch in 2009:

* Jill Becker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge NanoTech Inc. in Cambridge

* Sangeeta Bhatia, Co-founder, Hepregen Corp. in Winchester and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology, MIT

* Amy Cueva, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Mad*Pow in Portsmouth, N.H.

* Heather DeJesus, Director of Program Management, Azima DLI in Woburn

* Anna Mracek Dietrich, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Terrafugia Inc. in Woburn

* Sandra Glucksmann, Senior Vice President Research and Business Operations, Cerulean Pharma Inc. in Cambridge

* Susan Leschine, Founder and Chief Scientist, Qteros Inc. in Marlborough and Professor, Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

* Ronnie Maffa, Director of Social Software Product Development, IBM Corp.

* Mondira Pant, Lead Technologist, Intel Corp.

* Yvonne Spicer, Vice President, National Center for Technological Literacy, Museum of Science Boston

The Mass High Tech article is here.

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The first flight of the Transition® Production Prototype, March 23, 2012.