An air mobility company ASKA developing a futuristic flying car, has had a great year so far. Recently, the company received the Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA for the ASKA A5 pre-production prototype.
The company says it’s already “conducting flight testing.” The type certification process is progressing with the FAA and advancing towards the next milestone, G1 status.
Now, the company has announced that its A5 has become the world’s first flying car to receive authorization to drive on public roads from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). ASKA has successfully conducted more than 300 miles of road testing with the ASKA A5 around Silicon Valley.
ASKA A5 drive & fly eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) is a real flying car that can travel by both road and air. It is an electric hybrid with batteries and a range extender engine that charges the batteries when the vehicle is in-flight mode. The aircraft offers a crazy 250 miles (400 km) flight range at speeds up to 150 mph (240 km/h).
The four-seat car, the size of an SUV, is capable of both Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) from helipads and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) from runways using the in-wheel motors and thrust from its props. With its wings folded, it can also drive in normal traffic conditions and share the road with other vehicles.
“Being the first electric flying car developer to be successfully conducting driving tests on local roads in California validates our efforts to develop an eVTOL that is roadable and with an emphasis on safety,” explains Maki Kaplinsky, Chair & COO/Cofounder.
Pre-order reservations launched in 2021. Since then, the company has secured pre-orders worth over $50 million.
