We watched flying cars years ago on The Jetson's cartoon show. We were told that they were the next thing coming down the road. Well, they're here!

Terrafugia is the creator of a next-generation flying automobile. They are calling it the TF-X.

The TF-X is primarily to be used as a regular aircraft that uses runways at airports, but also has retractable wings that allow it to be driven on public highways. It has electric-powered motors positioned at the ends of the wings, and seats four in the main body. One unique feature of the TF-X is that it is a hybrid.

The TF-X is motorized by a battery pack, and in the hybrid mode it's turbine engine generates electricity for the batteries.Every TF-X will be equipped with special communications equipment and satellite responders so that their location will always be known. Along with the special operating gear there will be parachutes available for those in the vehicle. The TF-X will be designed to fly at speeds up to 200 mph. 

Terrafugia officials report that it only takes is a 5-hour training session to be qualified to operate the TF-X. A lot of future planning will be necessary to work out details of how these cars will operate in populated areas, but Terrafugia is encouraged that this will happen soon. Although the TF-X is still on the drawing board and in the prototype stage, and will not come to production for 8-10 years, Terrafugia is extremely excited about their new product and how it will improve travel throughout the United States, and even around the world.

If this dream product becomes a reality, as it's ambitious designers hope, the TF-X will change the way people travel.