Florida police introduce electric flying patrol aircraft

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 01:26 · Archive

Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has introduced Astro, a $148,000 single-seat electric flying vehicle.

Florida Polytechnic University Police Department in Lakeland has introduced a flying patrol vehicle nicknamed Astro, making it the first U.S. law enforcement agency to add a piloted electric aircraft to its fleet. The single-seat aircraft was built by Jetson and costs $148,000. Astro uses electric vertical takeoff and landing technology, allowing it to lift straight into the air without needing a runway. The aircraft has eight electric motors powering eight propellers and features a compact frame that folds for easier transport and storage. It reaches speeds of 63 mph and can fly for approximately 20 minutes per charge.

The aircraft is named after the dog in the classic cartoon The Jetsons. Police personnel, including Police Chief Aaron Murray, have completed flight training for the aircraft, which arrived during summer 2026. Jetson identifies the aircraft by its registration number, N911FP, referencing emergency services and Florida Polytechnic University.

However, Astro still requires Federal Aviation Administration authorisation before officers can use it for operational police patrols. Police believe the unusual aircraft could change how they respond to emergencies.

Florida police introduce electric flying patrol aircraft — Image: New York Post

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How it is being reported

Florida police get first-ever $148K flying patrol vehicle — and its name is AstroNicknamed Astro, after "The Jetsons" dog, the $148,000 single-seat electric flying patrol vehicle reaches speeds of 63 mph with about 20 minutes of flight time per charge.New York Post · 3 Nov, 01:11
Florida police unveil $148K flying patrol vehicleFlorida Polytechnic University's Jetson ONE eVTOL police vehicle named Astro still awaits FAA authorization before officers can fly operational patrols.Fox News · 2 Nov, 18:30

In this story: Florida Polytechnic University Police Department · Lakeland · Jetson · Federal Aviation Administration

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