United States (U.S.) company Alef Aeronautics has successfully carried out a revolutionary test in an urban environment, in which a fully electric vehicle took off vertically after driving on the road, with a successful landing after the flight.
This is the first publicly recorded test of this kind, which makes it different from previous demonstrations that involved a runway.
The testing, which took place under strict safety measures, ensured that the road was closed, that there was no personnel in the flight path, and that all appropriate precautions were observed. Officials confirmed that the test was completed without any safety incidents.
The vehicle had improvements such as weight reduction and structural enhancements made over the past year, enabling more efficient takeoff.
“This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real urban environment,” said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, expressing hope that this confirms that a new mode of transport is possible.
Engineers involved in the project compared this moment to the historic first flight of the Wright brothers, stating that it is a significant step toward a new era in transport.
More than 3.300 pre-orders for the vehicle have been recorded, which is designed to be street-legal and fully electric with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Alef Aeronautics, based in San Mateo, California, is focused on sustainable electric energy transport, designing a road-legal passenger car capable of vertical takeoff and flight, AA writes.
