# Hovering Attack Humvees The Pentagon's Transformer FX Will Take Infantry Combat to the Skies By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-11-03 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformer-fx References: [io9](http://io9.com/5853724/darpa-is-one-step-closer-to-its-flying-humvee) & [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-10/darpas-flying-humvee-moving-prototype-phase) After initial contractual bidding concluded late last year, the [Pentagon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silicon-carbon-anode) and its peers in the weapons industry have finally cobbled together the final plans for the military's famed flying Humvee, the Transformer FX. Pictured above is a concept illustration of what the 'Heli-car' will look like once it's deployed to battlefields in Afghanistan within the next two years. The Transformer TX has entered Phase 2 of its production sequence, moving onto a [fully realized prototype](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fx-super-one1) that is capable of meeting all of the Pentagon's requirements. But this isn't simply a road-capable helicopter -- the Transformer will have to sustain small arms fire, brave off-road conditions and be able to transfigure itself and take off immediately. This will require the [fly-drive vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-vehicles1) to temper its own engine power with the need for a light, yet bullet-resistant structure. One thing is certain: the first Taliban or tribal Afghan to see these things in action will probably be scared stiff! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Flying Vehicles:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing flying vehicles for military use. - **Transforming Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating vehicles that can transform and adapt to different terrains and situations. - **Bullet-resistant Materials:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing lightweight yet bullet-resistant materials for military vehicles. ### Where This Applies - **Aerospace:** Industry that can benefit from developing and manufacturing flying vehicles for military applications. - **Defense:** Industry that can collaborate with the military in developing and producing transforming vehicles for combat. - **Materials Science:** Industry that can explore and create advanced bullet-resistant materials for military use. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Autonomous High-Profile Combat Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorcycle-drone.md) - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md) - [Multi-Mission Military Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/military-helicopter.md) - [Militant Off-Road SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hennessey-jeep-gladiator-warhawk.md) - [Stealthy Fantasy-Themed Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/f117-4wd-covenant.md) - [Electric Superhero Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/p64-lancehead.md) - [Ultra-Tactical Next-Gen SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-rezvani-tank.md) - [Six-Wheel Drive Concept EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/land-aircraft-carreier.md)