The ongoing Detroit Auto Show has attracted many new and exciting vehicles but of them all, the flying car prototype presented by California’s Alef Aeronautics is certainly the most eye-catching. Over the years, most of the so-called ‘flying cars’ we’ve seen have had large wings that fold out, effectively turning them into small planes. Alef’s creation, known as the Model A, is very different as it does not have any wings and operates more like a helicopter. However, the propellers that enable vertical takeoff and landing functions are hidden beneath mesh body panels.
While the vehicle presented in Detroit was
a prototype rather than the finished product that the firm plans to eventually
sell to customers, it did have functional propellers that we were able to see
in action. Unfortunately, the pod-like cabin had heavily tinted windows so we
couldn’t get a good look inside. Nevertheless, official photos released by Alef
indicate that the cabin will be very basic with two seats and functional
controls.
Providing the Model A with its ability to
fly are no less than eight electric motors and the company says it can travel
up to 322 km on the road and 177 km in the air. As with
all other flying cars, were the Model A to be involved in some kind of accident
on the road, it would likely need to undergo expensive repairs, and getting it
airworthy again could be difficult. Alef plans to start sales of the Model A in
2025 with an anticipated price tag of US$ 300,000, so has a little bit of time up
its sleeve to work things like this out.
Alef confirmed in Detroit that it had
received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA to begin testing
the Model A for exhibitions, research, and development.
