Move over George Jetson, the real-life flying car is no longer just a midcentury hyper-modernist dream… or is it?
Among ultrasonic dishwashers and instant language translators, through the Jetsons’ retro-futurism aesthetic, humankind once only imagined flying cars. However, they are no longer an idea of the future, but of the ‘here and now’!
A company in the Bay Area, Alef Aeronautics, has been testing a model prototype for a flying car, and it just obtained federal approval to begin flight testing and public demonstrations. “[Innovator, Jim] Dukhovny believes this is the next efficient mode of travel — like the evolution from a horse and carriage to the traditional car.” [[1]]
Alef Aeronautics is an automotive and aviation company based in the United States, founded by Jim Dukhovny, Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov. Since 2015, the company has been developing this flying car. Alef’s prototype is now the first car in the U.S. certified by the government to fly.
“During a video-recorded presentation in October last year, Jim Dukhovny, Alef CEO, who has a background in software engineering, claimed that the company had been conducting flights since 2018 and that the car had an aerial range of 110 miles.” [3]
Dukhovny hopes the car will eventually be utilized for longer-range flights. With a vertical takeoff and landing, the car will be able to “hop” over congested areas or road accidents. Although, the model is built only for 2 passengers, so we won’t be able to drop off the kids at school in a flying car just yet. Sorry, kids.
Furthermore, this new technology is still considered experimental, so early adopters beware. There is still a long way to go before we see a sky full of cars. Nothing is “REAL” until it is beyond an idea, a digital mockup, prototypes, second and third prototypes, testing, and funding. Therefore, flying cars remain an elusive fantasy, even with these prototype flight approvals.
Adding to the exclusiveness of course would be the price tag. Innovation doesn’t come cheap, as we’ve seen with EVs in recent years. To be among the first adopters of this technology will set you back a whopping $300,000. There would also, undoubtedly, be further laws and regulations, as well as specialized training and licensing required to operate a flying vehicle.
For now, however, we have our dependable gas-powered combustion engines to get us to and from work, school, road trips, social gatherings and beyond. Combustion engines are a long-standing technology because they work. Professional combustion engine rebuilders can rely on Enginetech, Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm central time, to help get quality engine parts, with fast and friendly service. Give us a call today to see how we can help you 1 (800) 869 -8711.
Sources:
[1] Electric flying car receives approval for test flights in the US. Business Today. (2023, July 5). https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/electric-flying-car-receives-approval-for-test-flights-in-the-us-388300-2023-07-05
[2] Bay Area Company’s Flying Car Prototype Approved by FAA. Kron 4. (2023, July 6). https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/bay-area-companys-flying-car-prototype-approved-by-faa/
[3] Phillips, A. (2023, July 4). Alef flying car video reveals how $300,000 vehicle actually works. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/alef-flying-car-vehicle-how-works-faa-1810469
0 Comments