US Firm ASKA Unveils World’s First Flying Car

LAS VEGAS, NV (IANS) – US-based firm ASKA has unveiled the first fully functional prototype of the ‘ASKA A5’ electric drive and fly Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicle at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2023.

The ASKA A5 is the world’s first four-seater flying car that can travel by road, and up to 250 miles by air on a single charge.

The company is also announcing the ASKA On-Demand ride service, which will feature a fleet of ASKA vehicles operating on-demand in major cities and their surrounding areas and is expected to launch in 2026.

“Our unveiling at CES represents something that has never been accomplished in the world, but which humans have dreamed of for decades…we’re making history with ASKA and defining the next 100 years of transportation,” Guy Kaplinsky, CoFounder/CEO, ASKA, said.

For the vertical take-off or landing, the flying car requires only a compact space, such as a helipad or vertiport. The vehicle also fits into existing parking spaces and can be charged at home and at EV charging stations, according to the company.

The company said that the vehicle is also built to meet the highest safety standards.

ASKA, for example, has large wings that can glide the craft to a safe landing in the event of an emergency.

It is powered by two sources of energy — batteries and an engine. The six propellers, one on each wing, provide additional redundancy for safe landings.

In the event of an emergency, ASKA includes a ballistic parachute to save the entire aircraft, said the company.

The ASKA A5 is targeted for commercialization by 2026, however, company;  reservations are now being accepted at the official site of the company.