Florida Polytechnic University unveils first US police flying vehicle

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has introduced Astro, a single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The vehicle, a Jetson ONE model manufactured by California-based Jetson, marks the first time a US law enforcement agency has incorporated this type of technology into its structure.

Astro is equipped with eight electric motors, can reach speeds of approximately 100 km/h, and has a flight endurance of about 20 minutes. The aircraft features a ballistic parachute and an automatic landing function. Planned uses include campus patrolling, responding to emergencies in hard-to-reach areas, assisting in missing person searches, and providing support during storm recovery efforts.

The university intends to use the aircraft as a research tool for its aerospace engineering program, providing real-world flight data for students and faculty. While the vehicle has been demonstrated, it is currently in the final stages of seeking official approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before it can begin active patrol missions.