What seems to be a scene from a science fiction movie has turned into a reality as California-based Alef Aeronautics has successfully tested a first-of-its-kind roadworthy flying car.
The 'flying car' video
The automotive aviation startup also released a video to demonstrate the epoch-making achievement.
The jaw-dropping footage displays the Model Zero prototype driving like a regular car before lifting off vertically and soaring over another vehicle.
CEO Jim Dukhovny remarked, "This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment."
He went on to compare the flight test with the Wright Brothers’ historic Kitty Hawk flight in 1903.
This futuristic electric car from Alef Aeronautics is aimed at solving traffic jam issues in big cities.
The vehicle priced at Rs 2.5 crore ($300,000) can be driven like a usual car in the streets but the propellers in its bonnet and the boot will allow it to take off at any time.
The car has a mesh layer covering the propeller blades aiding in a distributed electric propulsion to take it off the ground.
According to recent reports, the American aviation company used a prototype for the trial which was an ultralight version of the Alef Model Zero. [Source: New York Post]
Netizens react
Seeing the video of the car taking off and going over another vehicle went viral, netizens have expressed their amazement although some doubted if the venture was commercially viable.
"Crazy. This is exactly how I imagined flying cars would be when I was 4," commented one user.
Another individual said: "I can only imagine the amount of energy required that is needed to lift this off the ground lol I'm going to have to figure out what it uses for its propulsion."
A third user commented: "I'm not sure if parallel parking would become easier or disastrous."
Future plans of the company
Alef is expecting to launch a two-seater Alef Model A flying car for commercial uses with a flying range of 110 miles and a driving range of 200 miles.
Interestingly, this car is expected to have autopiloting flight capabilities as well. The US-based company disclosed receiving 3,300 pre-orders so far.
Alef Aeronautics is targeting to launch an updated version called the Alef Model Z by 2035 which will be an impressive four-person drivable flying sedan with a flying capacity of a maximum of 200 miles and a driving range of 400 miles.
Also read: "Be It Space Or AI...,' PM Modi Lauds Youth For Adopting New Tech (startuppedia.in)
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