Alef Aeronautics has achieved a significant milestone with the first documented flight of its drivable flying car, the Alef Model A. On February 19, 2025, the test model took off from a city field, even flying over another vehicle during the demonstration. This event marks the debut of a fully functional flying car with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, setting the stage for a new era of urban commuting.
First verifiable flight of a drivable flying car
In a LinkedIn post, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny highlighted the significance of this achievement, describing the event as “the first documented, verifiable flight of a flying car (an actual car, with vertical takeoff, non-tethered).” He acknowledged that many people had asked why the company hadn’t showcased the flying car earlier. Dukhovny explained, “We’re obsessed with safety, and we wanted to make sure the car is safe enough for consumers before we actually show it.” The CEO also mentioned that, as a startup, they had to protect their intellectual property, which contributed to the cautious approach in public demonstrations.
Design and safety features
The Alef Model A is designed to function as both a conventional car and a flying vehicle. It retains the body of a typical car, allowing users to park it in standard spaces and drive it on regular roads. With a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles, the Alef Model A aims to offer a practical solution for urban and suburban commuters.
One of the standout features is its gimbaled cabin design, which keeps the cabin stable during flight. The vehicle also incorporates an elevon system to control its vertical and horizontal movement, as well as its tilting. Prioritizing safety, the Alef Model A intentionally avoids exposed propellers, reducing the risk of accidents during both ground and air travel.
To enhance safety, the car is equipped with multiple redundancy systems, ranging from triple to octuple backups for all key components. Additionally, it features an obstacle detection and avoidance system, glide landing capability, and a ballistic parachute for emergency scenarios.
Regulatory approval and continued testing
Alef Aeronautics has made history as the first company to receive a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a vertical takeoff flying car. This certification allows the Alef Model A to continue flight testing in the U.S., moving closer to commercial production. The team is actively conducting further flight tests and using software simulators for detailed analysis, ensuring that the vehicle meets all safety and performance standards before entering the market.
100% electric vehicle with energy efficiency
The Alef Model A is a fully electric vehicle designed to minimize energy consumption. According to the company, it uses “less energy per trip than a Tesla or any other EV, as well as less energy per trip than eVTOL air taxis.” This energy efficiency could make it a more sustainable alternative for urban commuting.
The current flight model, known as the Alef Model Zero, is strictly used for research and development. It serves as the test bed for the commercial version, the Alef Model A, which is expected to be the first consumer-ready flying car from Alef Aeronautics.
Future plans: Alef Model Z
Looking ahead, Alef Aeronautics has ambitious plans for a more advanced flying car, the Alef Model Z. Scheduled for introduction in 2035, this four-person drivable flying sedan aims to offer a flight range of 200 miles and a driving range of 400 miles. Unlike its predecessors, the Model Z is expected to have autonomous flight capabilities, paving the way for pilotless urban air mobility.
Source: Alef Aeronautics
