Florida Polytechnic University announced that its university police department is set to become the first law enforcement agency in the United States to integrate an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle into its operational fleet.
Key Details of the Announcement
- The Aircraft: Named Astro (a nod to both science and the dog from The Jetsons), the single-occupant manned eVTOL aircraft was built by Astro Aerospace.
- Operational Scope: Florida Poly Police plan to use the vehicle to support public safety operations, search and rescue, and emergency response, as well as to collaborate with regional law enforcement agencies across Polk County.
- Current Status: The aircraft is undergoing final regulatory review and testing. Florida Poly is awaiting final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before deploying Astro on active campus patrols and operations.
- Multi-Purpose Mission: Beyond campus safety, the university intends to leverage the aircraft for academic research and hands-on training for students entering the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
- Local Synergy: The initiative aligns with Central Florida’s growing role in AAM development, supported by proximity to the SunTrax testing facility in nearby Auburndale, which features dedicated aerial test tracks for eVTOL aircraft.
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