Great Scott! Flying Car Prototype Receives FAA Airworthiness Certificate, Targets Launch By 2025
We may be nearing living out the scenes from The Jetsons, Harry Potter, and Back To The Future. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted an airworthiness certificate to a flying car prototype by Alef Automotive, a California-based startup. The firm claims to have developed the world’s first fully electric flying vehicle capable of seamlessly transitioning between the air and roads named the “Model A”.
With vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, the Model A will soon enable commuters to soar through the skies and travel on public roads like any other car. Its features include the ability to park in standard parking spaces and accommodate one or two occupants. The vehicle also boasts a road-range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles.
Alef Automotive aims to bring this environmentally friendly and time-saving commute option to the market by the end of 2025. Priced at $300,000 per vehicle, the Model A promises to transform travel experiences.
While Alef Automotive is not the first to receive such certification for a flying vehicle, their Model A stands apart due to its remarkable ability to function seamlessly on both roads and in the air. It resembles a regular car, allowing it to blend into traffic and park conventionally.
Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef Automotive, expressed his excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to receive this certification from the FAA. It brings us one step closer to providing individuals and companies with an environmentally friendly and efficient commuting option, saving them countless hours each week. It’s a small step for planes, but a giant leap for cars.”
It is important to note that the flying car will be classified as a “low-speed vehicle,” restricting its maximum speed to approximately 25 miles per hour on paved roads. The firm explains that drivers seeking faster routes can utilize the vehicle’s flight capabilities. However, approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still pending before the Model A can officially hit the roads.
Development of the Model A has been underway since 2015 when four friends, Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, and Jim Dukhovny, inspired by the futuristic “Back to the Future” movies, embarked on a mission to bring flying cars to life. After a successful automated test flight in 2018 with a skeleton version, a full-scale prototype took to the skies the following year.
Alef Automotive already received refundable pre-orders for over 400 vehicles earlier this year. Enthusiasts can secure their place in the general queue for $150 or opt for the priority queue at $1,500.
Information for this briefing was found via CNN and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
