- Alef Aeronautics has obtained FAA Special Airworthiness Certification for its Model-A flying car, bringing us closer to the reality of affordable flying cars.
- The introduction of flying cars by 2035 could have a significant impact on society, offering faster and more efficient transportation, reducing congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The automobile and oil industries would be affected by this development, requiring adaptation to new technologies and business models, while renewable energy companies would find new opportunities in electric charging and sustainable power generation.
The dream of flying cars has been pursued for decades, and now it seems that the company Alef Aeronautics is one step closer to making it a reality. Its Model-A flying car model has recently obtained Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA, representing a significant milestone in the development of this new form of transportation.
This certification will allow Alef to carry out research and development tests, as well as conduct exhibitions and market studies, bringing us closer to the possibility of acquiring flying cars in the near future.
Design and characteristics of the current model
Alef Aeronautics’ Model-A is a lightweight, wingless, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capable vehicle capable of traveling up to 200 miles on paved roads or flying up to 110 miles.
With speeds limited to 25mph on regular urban or country roads, this flying car offers the ability to take off vertically from anywhere and overcome obstacles in its path thanks to its unique gimbaled rotating cockpit design.
Pre-order reservations are currently being accepted for the Model-A, with an estimated price of around $300,000, making it an “affordable” vehicle for those who can afford it.
The future of flying cars
Alef Aeronautics’ advancement does not stop there. According to information from electrek.co, the company is also working on the development of a sedan called the Model Z, designed for four people and with a starting price of $35,000 starting in 2035.
This sedan is expected to have a flight range of 300 miles and a driving range of over 220 miles. While it may not be exactly like Doc Brown’s DeLorean, this new design represents a fresh take on a concept that has been in the popular imagination since the early 20th century.
Impact on society and on the industries of the sector
The availability of affordable flying cars by the year 2035 could have a strong impact on society.
First, it would offer a faster and more efficient transportation alternative, which could reduce travel times and improve productivity for individuals and businesses alike.
In addition, flying cars could help improve the environment, since many of the land traffic routes would be moved into the air, thus reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, of course, depending on the source of energy of these flying vehicles.
Companies would have to adapt and develop technologies and business models focused on manufacturing and selling these new hybrid driving/flying vehicles.
In addition, the demand for fossil fuels would suffer, since flying cars could be powered by more sustainable and cleaner energy sources. This could have a significant impact on fuel and oil companies, which would see a decline in demand for gasoline and diesel.
However, this transition would also open up new opportunities for renewable energy companies. The need to charge batteries and power flying cars would create increased demand for electrical charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
At the same time, heliports and take-off and landing areas would be needed for these vehicles, which would require cities to adapt to accommodate these new modes of transport.