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Florida Poly Unveils Nation's First Flying Electric Police Vehicle
The $150,000 aircraft can aid missing-person searches, storm response and student training, but the university still needs FAA clearance before flights begin.
- On Tuesday, the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department debuted "Astro," becoming the first law enforcement agency in the nation to integrate an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle into its operations.
- California-Based Jetson accelerated the university's order despite a three-year waiting list, prioritizing Florida Poly's public safety objectives and engineering focus.
- The single-pilot aircraft cost nearly $150,000 and carries 210 pounds at altitudes up to 400 feet, with a top speed of 63 mph and about 20 minutes of flight time.
- Police Chief Aaron Murray plans to use the aircraft for missing persons searches and emergency response, while students and faculty will analyze real-time operational data for capstone projects.
- Federal Aviation Administration approval remains pending before the department can begin official flight operations, with officials expecting authorization by November or late December.
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Florida University Unveils Nation's First Flying Police Vehicle For Patrols And Emergencies
Florida Polytechnic University (FPU) introduced a $150,000 electric flying police vehicle this week, reportedly the nation’s first, designed for patrols and emergency response. The university in Lakeland, Florida, announced this week that it has added “Astro,” a Jetson ONE Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to its police force. The aircraft is powered by […]
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Center
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
80% Center
C 80%
13%
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