In an exciting development, Alef Aeronautics has recently announced that their electric vehicle has been granted a limited FAA Special Airworthiness Certification. This certification marks a significant milestone for the company and brings the concept of flying cars one step closer to becoming a tangible reality.
From Study Finds:
The company also claims the flying car is 100 percent electric, drivable on public roads, and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It would carry one or two occupants.
According to Alef’s website, the Model A is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) which has legal speed and other limitations in most U.S. states. The assumption is that, if a driver needs a faster route, they would use Alef’s flight capabilities to soar above crowded roadways.
After taking off vertically, it can fly above obstacles “until a desired destination is reached,” the company explains. The driver and the cabin are stabilized by a unique gimbaled rotating cabin design.
“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 a one small step for planes, one giant step for cars,” says Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef.
It has long been a subject of jest that autonomously self-driving, flying cars would become a reality in the future.
However, we are now witnessing a gradual transformation as this futuristic concept edges closer to actuality.
While it remains uncertain when the average consumer will have access to flying vehicles, the advent of that moment will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in our urban landscapes.
