Alef Aeronautics successfully conducts the first urban test flight of its flying car Model A, which managed to take off vertically, fly over another vehicle, and land smoothly before driving away seamlessly.
This innovative vehicle presents a creative solution to traffic congestion, as it can be driven like a regular car, but it is equipped with propellers hidden in the hood and trunk that allow it to take off instantly without the need for a runway.
Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, described the test as a “milestone moment in technology,” comparing it to the Wright brothers’ first flight, which revolutionized air transportation.
The test was carried out on a closed public road, and Alef emphasized that this is the first time a video has been published showing a car driving on the road before taking off vertically without using a runway.
The test featured a specially designed, ultra-lightweight prototype, while the final production version, Model A, will offer advanced features, including:
Ground driving range of 322 km and flight range of 177 km.
A carbon fiber body measuring 5.18 meters in length and 2.13 meters in width, making it suitable for standard parking spaces or garages.
Four small electric motors for the wheels for ground driving.
Eight integrated propellers enabling vertical takeoff and omnidirectional flight.
Distributed electric propulsion technology, optimizing airflow through the car’s mesh-like structure.
An airborne speed of up to 177 km/h, while ground speed will be limited to 40 to 56 km/h to classify it legally as a low-speed light vehicle, allowing it to bypass many regulatory hurdles.
Dukhovny confirmed that operating the Model A would require no more than 15 minutes of training, as the flight controls resemble those used in drones, making it user-friendly for the general public.
Unlike most flying cars currently under development, which rely on the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) concept and function solely as electric aircraft, Model A stands out with its ability to function as a regular road vehicle, offering unprecedented flexibility in transportation.
At present, the Model A flying car can be pre-ordered at a price of £235,000 (approximately $296,006) — similar to the cost of luxury vehicles like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. However, the company plans to reduce the price once mass production begins.
Source: Daily Mail
