Flying police vehicles might sound like something straight out of a science-fiction movie, but one university in Florida has already made it reality. Florida Polytechnic University has added a personal electric aircraft to its police fleet, potentially offering a glimpse into the future of law enforcement.
The aircraft is a Jetson ONE, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed to carry a single person. University police have named it Astro, a reference to the family dog from the classic animated series The Jetsons.
According to Florida Poly, its police department is the first law enforcement agency in the United States to integrate a piloted eVTOL into its operations. The aircraft could eventually help officers reach locations that are difficult to access using conventional patrol vehicles.
However, Astro isn’t quite ready to begin routine aerial patrols. The university said it was still finalizing Federal Aviation Administration approval when it announced the project on October 20.
Meet Astro, The Flying Police Vehicle
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Developed by Jetson, the ONE is a compact, single-seat electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically. Its open-frame design and multiple rotors make it look very different from a traditional police helicopter.
Florida Poly believes Astro could be quite useful for monitoring its campus and surrounding property. Potential applications include reaching remote locations, assisting with emergency response, and delivering supplies following severe storms.
Police Chief Aaron Murray said the department wants to understand how emerging aviation technology can improve public safety. The university also hopes to collaborate with other regional law enforcement agencies on future operations.
A Flying Classroom For Engineering Students
Astro won’t be reserved exclusively for police work. Florida Poly plans to use the aircraft as a research and educational platform for students and faculty.
The university introduced a new aerospace engineering degree program this fall, so the timing is certainly appropriate. Students will have opportunities to analyze operational flight data, investigate engineering challenges, and incorporate their findings into senior design projects.
Jetson CEO Stéphan D’haene said the manufacturer prioritized Florida Poly’s order despite an approximately three-year waiting list. The company’s decision reflected the university’s emphasis on engineering education and the aircraft’s proposed public safety applications.
Flying Police Patrols Aren’t Here Just Yet
The project is still in its early stages, and the university hasn’t announced when Astro will begin regular police operations. Its potential benefits will also need to be evaluated alongside practical considerations such as flight regulations and operational safety.
Florida Poly is already experimenting with other technologies, including police drones and a student-operated cybersecurity center. Astro represents another step in that effort to explore unconventional tools for public safety.
Whether flying patrol vehicles eventually become commonplace remains to be seen, but a small electric aircraft named after a cartoon dog certainly gives campus policing a futuristic touch.