The Alef Aeronautics’ Model A is Cleared for Takeoff
Science Fiction No Longer
Alef Aeronautics has been at the forefront of the emerging electric flying vehicle industry. And the Alef Aeronautics’ Model A is the first of its kind to get legal approval for flight.
Back in 2016, they built their first “subscale” prototype as a proof-of-concept to show investors that a vertical-takeoff flying car can drive like a “real” car while still retaining a degree of affordability.
Their story is intriguing. “The first real flying car was drawn on a napkin in a cafe. It was assumed it would take about 6 months to build one. Boy, was this an underestimate.”
This project reached a new milestone back in October of 2022, as Alef unveiled their Model A.
Billed as a “real street-driving, all-electric” car with “vertical takeoff and landing abilities,” the Model A has a 200-mile driving range and a flight range of 110 miles at a cost of more than $300,000.
— Alef (@AlefAeronautics) September 10, 2022
Alef Aeronautics Cleared for Takeoff
The company revealed Tuesday that its flying car, “Model A,” became the first of its kind to receive legal approval to fly from the US government with a “Special Airworthiness Certification” from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny celebrated their victory, stating: “We’re excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week. This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”
Development Continues
While Alef has been test-driving (and test-flying!) full-size prototypes since 2019, production for the Model A is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Alef is also in development for alternative vehicles, including a four-person sedan (codenamed “Model Z”) which is slated to debut in 2035. The company claims it will have an over 300-mile flying range with an over 220-mile driving range, but with a launch date well over a decade from now, the final numbers remain to be seen.
At the same time, several other automakers and startup companies are working hard on bringing “flying cars” to the market. The race to the first all-electric flying car is on and heating up!
Alef Aeronautics is Aiming High
While certifications are important, it seems there are still a number of technical hurdles to jump before the flying car becomes a common sight on our streets (or just above them). Nevertheless, as the era of the electric vehicle continues to advance, is it only a matter of time before we have all-electric flying cars in our cities and towns? Or will the difficulties prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell!
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