A full-scale prototype of the Californian ASKA A5 drive & fly eVTOL has successfully completed its first airborne tests, lifting with hovered thrust while the vehicle was tethered to the ground.
The four-seater ASKA A5 is the world’s first flying car, certified to travel both on the road and in the air. The size of an SUV in the drive mode, the drive & fly eVTOL is designed with maximum safety standards, an airspeed of up to 150 mph (241 km/h), and a 250-mile (402 km) flight range.
In addition to vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) from a helipad or vertiport, the ASKA A5 can also perform an energy-efficient short takeoff and landing (STOL) from the runway using the in-wheel motors, thrust from the props and aerodynamic wings.
This flying car seems to be a vehicle that is designed to fit seamlessly into both urban and suburban landscapes. It makes the maximum use of existing infrastructure, such as parking, charging stations, airfields, helipads, and runways, for a seamless integration into city and suburban landscapes.
Additionally, the vehicle can fit in standard parking spaces and be charged at home and EV charging stations. The range extender engine runs on premium gasoline purchased at existing automotive gas stations. The drive & fly eVTOL enables people to move faster and greener with the comfort of door-to-door travel, making maximum use of the existing infrastructure, the company says.
In June 2023, the ASKA received a Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA. At the same time, the Californian flying car has also received authorization to drive on public roads from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The company already successfully conducted more than 300 miles (480 km) of road testing with the ASKA A5 around Silicon Valley. It is now closely working with the FAA to ensure continued excellent progress with our flight testing.
Pre-order reservations launched in 2021, and the company has already secured $50M in pre-orders.
