What if we told you, that the time of the flying car may not be as far off, or even far out as you had imagined? And what if we also told you that the way a flying car is shown in the sci-fi movie or is the size of an ordinary car, could also be true? You won’t believe us, would you – but this is how fast the world is progressing, and that’s a sign for brighter things to come, we hope…
Meet the Aska, an up-and-coming flying car, as in an electric V/STOL, that can be driven on the road as a regular car and when the traffic gets tough, can take off into the air to make your travel a helluva lot shorter. So it’s a bit of a multitasker, only, you have to be uber-rich to be able to afford it, like Ferrari rich.
Remember though, you cannot get this car on a driver’s license. You would be needing a pilot’s license to drive, err, fly this thing, but the eye-watering price includes the license, so there’s that bit of comfort.
So here’s all the DL about the Aska, tomorrow’s flying car, which could be yours if you could cough up a lung and perhaps a kidney to pay for it…
Let’s Talk About The Aska
The Aska is being developed by an American/Israeli startup NFT and is categorized as an electric V/STOL which stands for vertical/ short take-off and landing. Meaning the Aska can roll like a “normal” car with its wings ergonomically folded and then unfold, rather majestically to take to the skies. Honestly, it all sounds far-fetched but it’s all true, and happening and all you need to do to book your Aska, is put down $5,000.
Just look at the picture. Get's your goat, no, and fancy? If you didn’t touch and see the real dimensions of the Aska, you’d think it was some kind of a toy.
The All-New Design
The original concept of the Aska, as shown in 2019, was more sci-fi than real because the vehicle actually resembled a car that had wings, and some strange circular outcroppings on the hood, looking something very alien than real. The design was a three-seat saloon car and the circles were actually VTOL fans mounted not just on the hood but also the tail.
Today’s Aska is a lot different and is a teardrop-shaped thing way more reminiscent of a helicopter than a car, be it a saloon or an SUV. While it was called an eVTOL before, it's now classified as a V/STOL. The almost-helicopter-like look of the car makes it more believable now, with the cabin seating four, and bearing a small V-shaped tail to act like the real thing during flight.
The lift props are mounted on long arms that swing and tuck themselves at the back when not flying and come reminiscent of flying insects like the grasshopper. Another two also come mounted on a set of wings that are very articulate, enough to charm the perfectionist in you. The wings actually fold into half and also fold back towards the tail to stay out of the way when the “car” is being driven on the road, and also, keep out of the way when parking.
The wings can also tilt, to help point the lift-off props from vertical takeoffs and landings, and then tilt forward in mid-flight to help in propulsion.
Of course, the Aska is best used for short take-off and landing, because even a tiny bit of runway can help it save its energy considering VTOLs can truly suck. Energy, we mean.
Just Ask For the Aska
The Aska comes with a range-extender, and NFT claims it can fly to a 250-mile range with the help of the same that may be capable of running on hydrogen instead of old-fashioned fossil.
In the air, it can reach 150 mph but on the road, this little flying car can only go 70 mph. Of course, the bespoke interior dash, with a bewildering aura of buttons and display may take some time getting used to. As will the view from the windscreen that can go tarmac, or air, as per the Aska's geo-location to terra-firma.
Now, if you still want one, let us tell you that NFT claims (and it’s a long shot) that it will start flight testing by 2022 end. The next three years will be spent on little things like certification and the final cars will fly in for delivery by 2026.
How do you get one? Well, a fully refundable $5,000 should get you a slot, and a single share. The price of the Aska, as of today, is a breath-sucking $789,000 but this will also include the cost of your piloting license, a personalized license plate, and a fully customizable interior.
Will it finally happen? Well, some say stranger things have happened, and others say when pigs fly. Let’s see if the Aska truly manages to take off, and more importantly, land in one piece…
Sources: AskaFly, NewAtlas