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Journalism of Courage
A United States of America-based aeronautical company has unveiled footage of a concept version of its flying car, demonstrating a vertical take-off before passing over an SUV. Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef Aeronautics, revealed that the company has already received thousands of pre-orders, and aims to begin production within the next 12 months, the BBC reported.
Priced around $300,000 (Rs 2.5 crore, approximately), the electric flying car is expected to offer an airborne range of 110 km (68 miles). However, taking a passenger along for a ride may prove challenging, as the cockpit is only designed to accommodate one and a half people, the BBC report stated.
“This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment. We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible,” Dukhovny said.
In the now-viral video, which looks like a scene straight out of a science fiction movie, the test version of the Alef Model Zero electric vehicle is seen lifting off the ground, gradually ascending in the air before floating over parked cars on a street.
Watch here:
https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1892975716620263893
With over four million views, the video garnered a range of reactions. “Wow I’d love the bear which technology they used to make it so the car has no shadows,” a user wrote. “Interesting concept, but sure looks flimsy, and the wheels / tires are clearly not road-worthy for much road at all. Still, it’s a start,” another user commented.
“Feel like I’m stating the obvious, but what happens when all the cars are flying over the traffic and now the traffic is just like 16ft higher,” a third user said.
