@tech_and_markets: Flying Cars to Chase Criminals 👮‍♂️🚨 Florida Polytechnic University's police department recently made history by acquiring the nation's first pilot-operated electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying patrol vehicle, nicknamed "Astro." Purchased for roughly $150,000 from the company Jetson, the single-person aircraft weighs only 154 lbs (excluding its battery), reaches top speeds around 63 mph, and provides approximately 20 minutes of flight time on a full charge. Led by Police Chief Aaron Murray, the department aims to use the vehicle to bypass heavy traffic and rugged terrain, helping officers rapidly locate missing persons, deliver critical emergency supplies, and assist in post-storm disaster recovery where traditional vehicles cannot venture. ​The vehicle remains grounded for active duty while the department completes flight training and awaits final regulatory clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Officials anticipate FAA authorization could be finalized between late November and December 2026. Once approved, flight testing and pilot evaluations will primarily take place at SunTrax, a state-of-the-art advanced air mobility test track featuring dedicated vertiports and runways located just four miles from the Lakeland campus. ​Beyond its law enforcement functions, "Astro" serves as a hands-on educational platform for Florida Poly's STEM and newly launched aerospace engineering programs. Computer science and mechanical engineering students are collaborating directly with officers to analyze real-world flight data, study propulsion systems, and develop custom virtual reality training simulations to help pilots practice before taking flight. #fyp #techtrends #police #evtol #florida

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Wednesday 21 October 2026 16:23:24 GMT