5-7-2023 (CALIFORNIA) The possibility of owning a flying car may no longer be restricted to the realm of science fiction, as California-based start-up Alef’s Model A flying car has been approved by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for use in the US, according to the company’s announcement on Tuesday. Alef claims that the Model A has an aerial range of 110 miles and is entirely electric with a maximum capacity of two occupants.
The Model A’s unique design features eight rotating blades beneath its permeable bodywork, allowing it to rise vertically. Once in the air, the entire car rotates sideways so that the blades can propel it forward, while the passenger seat turns to keep the passenger upright during flight. Alef’s founder, Jim Dukhovny, claims that the car has a “very specific body-wing geometry” that allows it to fly with limited resistance.
During a video-recorded presentation last year, Alef CEO Dukhovny explained that the laws of physics and the need for large wings have prevented the feasibility of flying cars until now. The Model A’s unique design allows it to “hop” over congested areas due to traffic jams or road accidents, making it a faster and environmentally friendly mode of transport for commuters.
While the Model A’s $300,000 price tag may seem steep, Alef claims that it has already received “strong” pre-order interest for the flying car. However, it is unclear how many units have been requested or how many the company needs to sell to recoup its development costs.
The FAA certification “limits the locations and purpose for which Alef is permitted to fly,” according to Alef. Special Airworthiness Certification can impose restrictions on the safe use of aircraft for certain tasks, such as aerial surveillance and advertising, as well as for experimental craft.
The Model A is not the first aircraft of its kind to receive FAA certification. However, Alef hopes that the Model A’s approval will pave the way for the commercial use of flying cars in the future. Alef anticipates that the Model A will be flown by consumers as early as 2025.
