Florida Polytechnic University adopts first flying electric police vehicle

Florida Polytechnic University has acquired Astro, the first flying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) police vehicle in the United States. The aircraft, a Jetson ONE, was purchased for nearly $150,000 and is being integrated into the university’s police department for campus patrols and emergency response.

Police Chief Aaron Murray noted that the vehicle can reach areas inaccessible to traditional ground units and could assist in locating missing persons or conducting post-storm recovery efforts. The aircraft weighs 154 pounds without its battery and has an estimated flight time of approximately 20 minutes. While the university intends to use the technology for public safety and to explore safer airspace operations, final operational deployment is pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, which officials expect could arrive by late 2026.

The project also serves an educational purpose, with computer science and mechanical engineering students participating in hands-on training and technology integration. Jetson, the California-based manufacturer, prioritized the university’s order to help identify practical applications for the aircraft beyond recreational use.