Californian startup Alef Aeronautics has shared 3D renderings of the Model A, an aerial vehicle powered by four electric motors and eight rotors for vertical takeoff and landing. The promised price is $300,000.
According to the engineering team, the vehicle will have a mesh body and a two-seater cabin that can turn 90 degrees to let the outer bodywork transform into two large wings.
The Model A is envisioned with up to 177 km (110 miles) of continuous aerial range and 322 km (200 miles) of land range on a single charge. The speed on land will be capped at 32–40 km/h (20–25 mph). The top speed of flight remains to be evaluated.
Preorders are already running, with everybody interested invited to leave a deposit of either $150 (normal) or $1,500 (priority status). The production is scheduled to begin in three years’ time.
In addition to the above, the startup is working on a Model Z, a larger aircraft for four or six passengers envisioned with 354 km (220 miles) of aerial range.