The ASKA A5, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, recently received a Certificate of Authorization and Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ASKA plans to use the A5 as a last-mile solution for short-hop airborne ride-hailing, carrying commuters from suburbs to cities and back. The A5’s reconfigurable wings and motors allow it to take off or land on a runway like a traditional aircraft, or use a hybrid approach for shortened takeoffs. The target for maximum flight range is 250 miles, aided by an onboard gasoline-powered generator for in-flight recharging.
To bring the A5 to the market, ASKA must undergo several steps, including FAA Type Certification and Production Certification. ASKA plans to have the A5 in production by 2026. CEO Guy Kaplinsky founded ASKA in 2018 with the goal of revolutionizing personal transportation without major infrastructure changes. The company envisions buying up gas stations and using them as landing pads for the aircraft. While the A5 is currently human-piloted, ASKA aims for autonomous piloting in the future, but this will require regulatory changes from the FAA.
The A5 prototype is currently remote-controlled, with no flight controls yet. The construction of the prototype is simple but functional, and the ride was smooth during a test drive. ASKA is currently seeking investors and customers in the defense, civil, and commercial markets. The company has already performed demonstrations for the US Army, Air Force, and Navy, and is optimistic about the potential of the A5 as a future mode of transportation.
In summary, the ASKA A5 is an eVTOL aircraft that recently received FAA certifications. ASKA plans to use the A5 for short-hop airborne ride-hailing, with a target flight range of 250 miles. The company aims for full autonomy in the future and plans to use gas stations as landing pads. ASKA is currently seeking investors and customers in the defense, civil, and commercial markets.