Alef Aeronautics’ Model Zero prototype flying car lifts off on a test flight, one of several the manufacturer made public in February. [Courtesy: Alef Aeronautics]
Key Takeaways:
Alef Aeronautics' Model Zero prototype successfully completed a test flight, described as the first instance of a car driving and taking off vertically from a city street.
The company has an FAA special airworthiness certificate for testing and plans to launch its two-seater Model A flying car, priced at $300,000, by next year, having already secured 3,300 preorders.
Designed for both ground (200 sm) and air (110 sm) travel using embedded propellers, Alef Aeronautics faces significant regulatory hurdles for certifying the Model A for both automotive and aviation standards in the U.S.
Last week, a real-life flying car took to the skies over California.
The test flight of the Model Zero—a drive-and-fly prototype built by San Mateo, California-based Alef Aeronautics—lasted only a few moments. But according to Alef, a video of the flight making the rounds on social media is the first documentation of a car driving and taking off vertically on a city street.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
