BY YAHYA KARIM
For decades, the idea of flying cars has felt like something straight out of science fiction, but thanks to Alef Aeronautics, the future may be closer than we think. The company’s Model A—a sleek, single-seater electric flying car—has taken a major step towards making this a reality after a new agreement with aerospace firms PUCARA Aero and MYC.
“The sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.”
A car that can soar above roads
Designed to function as both a road vehicle, and an aircraft that can soar in the sky, the Model A aims to provide a solution to crowded roads. Unlike traditional cars, this all-electric vehicle features a unique design that allows it to take off vertically. Once in the air, its body rotates 90 degrees, transforming into an aircraft. This innovative approach to a flying car enhances both efficiency and stability, according to Alef’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny.
“To have a good distance, you need good aeronautics, which means you need wings,” Dukhovny explained in an interview with CNN. “When you tilt, when you do the transition, you look like a biplane… which makes it incredibly efficient and gives it long range.”
Not quite the flying taxi yet
While many envision flying cars as the future of personal and public transportation, the Model A is currently designed for individual use rather than as a taxi service. The single-seater vehicle will have a road range of 200 miles (321 kilometers) per charge and a flying range of 110 miles (177 kilometers). However, its top road speed will be limited to just 25 mph (40 km/h), meaning it won’t be taking the highway anytime soon.
The project, which began in 2015, has seen steady progress, with the first full-scale prototype flight taking place in 2019. Alef has already received over 3,200 pre-orders for the Model A, which is expected to cost $299,999 when it launches.
Many challenges
Despite the excitement, there are still challenges to overcome before the Model A becomes a common sight in the skies. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set strict licensing rules for “powered-lift aircraft,” which include flying cars like the Model A. Currently, anyone wishing to pilot one will need at least a Private Pilot License (PPL), requiring extensive training and flight hours.
Alef’s vision of flying over traffic jams is an ambitious one, but with continued innovation and regulatory progress, the dream of everyday flying cars may soon become a reality.
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