Florida university introduces electric flying patrol vehicle

Crime · First reported 2 Nov, 18:30 · Updated 19:46

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Florida Polytechnic University’s police department has added a single-seat electric aircraft called Astro, built by Jetson. The aircraft is intended for research and possible emergency-response use, but federal authorization is still required before it can conduct operational police patrols.

Astro is a Jetson ONE aircraft with police lights; it can reach a stated 63 mph and fly for about 20 minutes per charge.
The university is exploring uses such as campus monitoring, surveying storm damage and delivering emergency supplies; Astro carries only its pilot.
The aircraft needs additional FAA authorization for public-safety missions, and the university has not confirmed when regular police patrols will begin.

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Key facts

Aircraft and maker: Astro is a Jetson ONE built by Jetson, with police lights added.
Price: $148,000 before taxes and additional fees.
Advertised speed and flight time: Up to 63 mph and approximately 20 minutes per charge.
Maximum weight: 210 pounds, including the pilot, police gear and emergency supplies.
FAA authorization: The university needs additional federal authorization under FAA Part 91 for public-safety missions.