At Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, campus police are testing a different kind of patrol vehicle: an electric vertical takeoff and landing craft that can rise straight up and travel over campus.
Here's what to know
Fox 13 News Tampa Bay (@Fox13TampaBay) summed up the scene in a TikTok video where a reporter started by saying, "Y'all, the future is here. It is here."
@fox13tampabay Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland is now home to the first flying electric vertical takeoff and landing police vehicle in the country. ⠀ #news #fox13news #florida #flyingcar ♬ original sound - FOX 13 News Tampa Bay
Fox 13 called the eVTOL the country's first airborne police vehicle, and footage from a test run showed it lifting off and zipping around campus.
The department plans to use the aircraft in safety operations, giving officers a way to move above or across parts of the university grounds that roads can't reach.
Some viewers were unsure what they were watching.
"Flying vehicle?! Girl that's a human drone/ a flying device," one commenter wrote.
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"Anything but free health care, lower groceries, and a better retirement plan. Wtf," another person said.
More background
The school is also introducing the aircraft as part of its instructional mission. It is expected to play a role in training students.
Students will work with its data and help advance the technology, connecting an emerging form of transportation to campus research and coursework.
The university police department is already testing the aircraft in real conditions. Fox 13's video showed the eVTOL making a run around campus. The reporter also stated at the end that Fox 13's website has more information about this vehicle.
Where can I learn more?
Electric aircraft like the one Florida Poly is testing are a part of a push for eVTOL technology development.
• In New York City, Joby Aviation flew its eVTOL over Manhattan, signaling a new phase for air taxis.
• In the U.S., Beta Technologies opened a new eVTOL facility as flying taxis move toward reality.
• Beta Technologies also completed a historic all-electric flight at JFK Airport.
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