FAA Approves Alef Aeronautics’ Model A Flying Car for Testing
A California-based company, Alef Aeronautics, has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Model A flying car. Like Doc Brown’s retrofitted DeLorean in the “Back to the Future” series, the car can switch between driving on roads and flying in the air. Alef has been testing a full-sized prototype of this car since 2019 and recently got permission from the FAA, making it the first flying car with the Special Airworthiness Certification.
One small step for planes, one giant step for cars.
Alef Model A overview:
The Model A is a 100% electric car you can take on the road like a normal car. That said, it is capable of taking off and landing vertically, which gives it an edge over traditional cars and even other EVs. Inside, the Alef Model A flying car is spacious enough for carrying up to two occupants.
Alef Aeronautics unveiled this innovative flying car during a press conference in October last year. The grand event took place at Draper University in San Mateo, California, where the company showcased the full-sized sports car model, along with two fully functional technology demonstrator cars.
Major Features
The Model A flying car has some notable features. It has a gimbaled cabin design that keeps the driver and passenger stable during takeoff and flight. The car also has closed propellers, which make it safer. Also, it has an all-wheel drive.
When it comes to how far it can go, the Model A can drive up to 200 miles on the road, and when it flies, it can go up to 110 miles. This means that people can reach their destinations without getting stuck in traffic.
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Certification and Approval
Alef’s Model A has received a limited Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA for further testing this Tuesday. The approval signifies progress in developing policies for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
When the Model A is on the road, it will be considered a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), which means it will have some limitations according to traffic safety regulations from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and local state agencies. However, Alef expects that drivers will use the flying capabilities of the car when they need to get somewhere faster.
Alef Aeronautics Model A Flying Car Price and Reservation
Alef has designed Model A as an eco-friendly and efficient option for traveling and plans to deliver the car to the market by 2025. It has received a lot of interest from individuals and businesses, with many pre-orders already placed. Priced at $298,520, this innovative vehicle offers a potential solution to traffic crowding by providing an alternative mode of transportation.
