![ASKA A5 eVTOL FAA Type Certification process](https://dronelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ASKA-A5-field-testing-300x180.jpg)
by DRONELIFE Staff Author Ian M. Crosby
Air mobility company ASKA’s 4-seater eVTOL has grow to be the primary ever flying automobile to start the sort certification process with the FAA. The prototype of the ASKA™ A5 was awarded Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Special Airworthiness Certification by the FAA and has begun flight testing. ASKA has been conducting ground tests since 2022 and in Q1/2023 began performing on-street driving tests. This Special Airworthiness Certificate proves that ASKA™ A5 has satisfied all FAA safety requirements. The corporate is currently working closely with the FAA on type certification, which signifies the design is in compliance with all airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards.
“Now we have achieved a series of technological milestones in the primary quarter of 2023; debuting the primary full-scale working prototype of the ASKA™ A5 in January at CES, successfully performing field and driving tests, and obtaining the COA and Special Airworthiness Certification for our pre-production prototype,” said ASKA CEO and Cofounder Guy Kaplinsky. “The info we’re harvesting from flight testing is enabling us to make progress towards our type certification. We already accomplished the initial phase and are progressing towards our next milestone, G1 status.”
A significant step within the FAA cross-validation process, G-1 basis establishes airworthiness and environmental requirements needed to attain FAA Type Certification Validation.
The four-seater ASKA™ A5 is roughly the scale of an SUV and matches in standard parking spaces. A drive & fly eVTOL able to each road and air travel, ASKA™ A5 boasts a max flight range of 250 miles and an airspeed of as much as 150mph. The vehicle is designed for the best level of safety, a significant component that has allowed ASKA to make positive progress with the FAA toward type certification. Its large aerodynamic wings are optimized for secure landing with the power to glide. The aircraft also features six independent motor systems for flight and a ballistic parachute.
“The airworthiness certification validates our efforts to develop a drive & fly eVTOL with an emphasis on safety,” said ASKA CoFounder/Chair & COO Maki Kaplinsky. “Certainly one of the numerous benefits of a roadworthy eVTOL, just like the ASKA™ A5, is that it doesn’t require the modification or electrification of existing airports since it may well maximize using today’s infrastructure, reminiscent of the various charging stations situated around us. We’re working with local airports within the Bay Area to check and make sure our concept of operations – they open the gate, ASKA™ A5 drives in as a automobile, drives/taxis to the helipad or runway, transforms into the flight mode and may take off.”
ASKA™ A5 may perform an energy-efficient short takeoff from the runway using the in-wheel motors and thrust from the props. The vehicle will be charged at home and EV charging stations, and the range extender engine runs on premium gasoline purchased at existing automotive gas stations.
Pre-order reservations for the ASKA™ A5 launched back in 2021, and ASKA has already secured $50M in pre-orders.
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