Astro: The First Electric Flying Police Patrol Vehicle

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department unveiled a $148,000 single‑seat aircraft called Astro. Billed as the world’s first electric flying police patrol vehicle, it promises a new way for law enforcement to monitor large areas and reach places that ground vehicles cannot.

Astro is built on the Jetson ONE personal aircraft and uses electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) technology. Eight electric motors and propellers let it lift off without a runway, reach a top speed of 63 mph and stay airborne for about 20 minutes on a full charge.

Astro can lift up to 210 lb, which includes the pilot and any equipment. It also carries an emergency parachute and an automatic landing system for added safety.

Police Chief Aaron Murray said the vehicle could help officers search for missing people, assess storm damage, and deliver emergency supplies to locations difficult to reach by road. However, Astro cannot yet conduct operational patrols because the university is waiting for FAA authorization, which officials expect in November or December.

If approved, Astro would mark a pioneering step for police operations, showing how electric aviation can expand emergency response options. Its success could influence how future law‑enforcement agencies use flying vehicles to protect the public.

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