Terrafugia's sub-scale flying car approved for testing in US airspace [VIDEO]

An American Airlines Aeroplane — An American Airlines plane is pictured during its approach to Los Angeles International airport in Los Angeles, California February 11, 2015. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Massachusetts-based aircraft company Terrafugia has been given a special permission by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct in-air tests using its autonomous drone version of its flying car, the TF-X.

Terrafugia has been developing a flying car since 2013. The car's upgraded prototype was unveiled back in July 2015. The upgraded version of the car had a cruising speed of 322 km/h with an 805 km flight range. It has no particular runway requirements for landing or take off.

The TF-X, which is scheduled to be tested at the US airspace, is not the actual flying car prototype as declared earlier, but one-tenth of its size. It is actually a drone, an unmanned model. The trial run is expected to expedite the research and development phase of the actual real-life flying car.

Specifically, the characteristic data collected during the test run will help Terrafugia drive the future course of design of its flying cars. In addition, the FAA test run will allow the company to assess the hovering capabilities of the drone.

Aero-news.net reports that before developing a full-size TF-X prototype, it is important for Terrafugia to achieve sustained and stabilized hovering with smaller models. The test run will be conducted by Terrafugia's experienced flight test team and other relevant authorities.

TF-X is expected to be ready in eight to ten years. Terrafugia states that TF-X pricing will be consistent with that of high-end luxury cars. More specific information is expected to be available at a later date. As of now, the Terrafugia engineers are working on detailed test plans that will be used for its operation.

TF-X is designed to carry four people at a time and fit into a standard-sized single car garage. In addition, it will be able to run on roads and highways, allowing a door-to-door transportation system.

The following Terrafugia TF-X youtube video demonstrates the upgraded prototype of the car, designed to fulfill Terrafugia's vision of the future of personal transportation.