Florida Poly unveils flying police vehicle, awaits FAA approval

Florida Polytechnic University has unveiled a piloted electric aircraft for its police department, with plans to use it for campus patrols and emergency response once federal approval is secured.The university says its police department is the first law enforcement agency in the nation to integrate a piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL, into its operations.Named Astro, the Jetson ONE aircraft could help officers reach isolated areas, survey campus property and deliver emergency supplies. The university said it is in the final stages of seeking Federal Aviation Administration approval to use the vehicle.A new tool for emergency responseUniversity Police Chief Aaron Murray said the aircraft could support recovery efforts after storms and help officers access areas that traditional patrol vehicles cannot easily reach.The department also plans to work with other law enforcement agencies in the region on potential public safety uses.“Advanced air mobility is a t