ALEF – Flying Car: Pioneering The Future Of Urban Mobility

Why drive a busy, traffic signal controlled urban grid when one could simply launch straight up from the street bed and angle the platform to fly above it all until the destination is reached. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

The vision for Alef began in 2015 when four technical innovators – Dr. Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, and Jim Dukhovny – gathered at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto. What started as a simple sketch on a napkin quickly evolved into an ambitious endeavor to create the world’s first true flying car. However, the initial estimate of six months to build the prototype proved to be a significant understatement.

An interesting platform whose biggest tell that this “car” is designed to be doing something else completely different than just drive is the top surface of the car. A cris-cross grid of vanes allow for air to be sucked in and forced to the ground, lifting the platform as if it were a drone. Once elevated above the street and buildings, the driver/pilot can rotate both the passenger capsule and the body platform so that this car/platform can move quickly in a more horizontal fashion for quick destination arrival. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

To bring the design to life, Alef enlisted renowned Swedish automotive designer Hirash Razaghi, known for his work on Bugatti and Jaguar vehicles. His expertise helped shape a modern, sporty aesthetic that blended both form and function.

n 2022, the company officially rebranded as “Alef” and launched its public-facing website, unveiling a clear mission and vision for the future of consumer transportation. The name “Alef” – derived from the first letter of the Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, and Syrian alphabets – symbolizes the company’s aspiration to lead the industry and redefine personal mobility.

Alef’s innovation is guided by three core principles: the vehicle must function as a real car, capable of driving on standard roads and parking in regular spaces; it must have vertical takeoff capabilities, distinguishing it as a true flying car; and it must remain affordable, ensuring accessibility beyond just the wealthiest consumers.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with a revolutionary design, Alef is setting the stage for the next era of transportation – where the sky is no longer the limit.

… notes from The EDJE