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 successfully conducted a test flight of its Model Zero prototype, a "true" flying car, demonstrating vertical takeoff from a city street in California.
The company distinguishes its design by its ability to drive and take off vertically without wings or runways, calling it the first documented instance of such an event from a city street.
Alef plans to launch a consumer model, the Model A, by next year for $300,000, having already secured thousands of preorders.
The Model A faces significant regulatory hurdles for certification in the U.S., requiring it to meet both automobile and aircraft safety standards.
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.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
