Tech Society: Four weird vehicles

The Terrafugia Transition is a ‘car’ which can also fly.

Surface orbiter

Rick Dobbertin, a New York resident, constructed the amphibious Surface Orbiter out of a milk truck to apparently navigate the world via land and sea. And constructing the Orbiter wasn’t a piece of cake — it took 4 years, $175,000 and 14,000 man hours to complete.

Water-car python

California-based WaterCar is not the first company to make a road-going vehicle that also handles competently in water. But the firm can make a credible claim to being the most exciting.

Touting itself as the world’s fastest amphibious vehicles, WaterCar has made a big splash on the niche market of individuals who’d rather drive their boat to than tow it — and are willing to fork over $200,000 for the privilege.

Tank chair

Chuck the benign image of a wheelchair from your mind and get ready to see a more formidable vehicle. Tank Chair is a custom off-road wheelchair that can apparently go anywhere outdoors. Its creators vouch that this vehicle conquers streams, mud, snow, sand, and gravel.

A car-cum-plane

Ever heard of a roadable aircraft? The Terrafugia Transition is actually one such ‘car’ which can also fly. It functions as an automobile and will take you straight to the airport. But when it’s time for takeoff, the driver activates controls that deploy a set of stubby, fold-down wings. The craft’s rear-mounted propeller, subsequently launches the Transition down the runway and skyward.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2012.