DARPA Working On Flying Car

As proof that innovation isn't dead in this country, I submit this news item from Digital Trend:

Quote :

The Defense Department agency DARPA is developing the Transformer (TX) vehicle, the world’s first true flying car.



It is about time. After years of disappointment at the distinct lack of jetpacks and hover boards that our starry eyed childhoods promised us, the world might finally be ready to develop a real flying car, via the military.



The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has asked the Pentagon for additional funds to help develop the Transformer (TX) vehicle for use with military personnel in combat situations. For those unfamiliar with DARPA, it is an office in the Department of Defense that is responsible for attempting to create pretty much everything you have ever seen in a sci-fi movie that has some military applications. Artificial Intelligence, cyborg limbs and laser guns are all listed in its 2011 budget. Seriously.

... :'D Finally. Finally, finally.

BTW, jetpacks are possible, they just won't get ya higher than the rooftops

Quote :

Artificial Intelligence, cyborg limbs and laser guns are all listed in its 2011 budget.

This is a terrible idea!

What happens when out laser shooting robot limbs try to over take us?!

but fuck yeah a flying car

First Flying Cars, Then Metal Gear!

Metal Gear?

Yubisaki wrote:

... :'D Finally. Finally, finally.

BTW, jetpacks are possible, they just won't get ya higher than the rooftops

It's a start. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Working in aviation as I have, I feel especially qualified to say that flying cars are the complete fucking opposite of an antidote.

Penguin wrote:

Working in aviation as I have, I feel especially qualified to say that flying cars are the complete fucking opposite of an antidote.

Dude, yes, most people can barely drive a normal car. Now we want to open up a completely new dimension for inevitable disaster?

Maximilia wrote:

THE FLYING CAR

I was going to post this version myself...

Sutremaine wrote:

Metal Gear?

METAL GEAR!!

Wait...it's going to be called the TRANSFORMER vehicle?

So...will it be an Autobot or a Decepticon?

Autobot, naturally. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

GamemasterAnthony wrote:

Wait...it's going to be called the TRANSFORMER vehicle?

So...will it be an Autobot or a Decepticon?

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose first thought was that.

Also, unless they've had some breakthrough in technology, this thing will be an unbelievable fuel hog.

Adagio wrote:

GamemasterAnthony wrote:

Wait...it's going to be called the TRANSFORMER vehicle?

So...will it be an Autobot or a Decepticon?

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose first thought was that.

Also, unless they've had some breakthrough in technology, this thing will be an unbelievable fuel hog.

It's also supposed to be a hybrid.

Also, the military doesn't care too much about fuel efficiency, until it actually impacts the mission.

I can see a few uses for a vehicle like this, such as search and rescue, though I would think it would have to be a special situation for a helicopter or plane not to do work just as well.

But no, just NO, to ordinary folks getting to drive these things. D: