Florida university selects electric eVTOL for police patrol role
A single-seat electric eVTOL is being assessed for campus patrols, emergency supply delivery, and public safety operations in Florida, following FAA approval for its use by university police
Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Florida, has introduced a Jetson ONE single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for evaluation in law enforcement and public safety operations.
Named Astro and registered N911FP, the aircraft was delivered to the university’s police department earlier this summer. The institution describes it as the first electric eVTOL selected for integration into law enforcement operations.
The university intends to assess the aircraft’s potential for campus patrols, improving access to hard-to-reach locations and delivering emergency supplies. It also plans to collaborate with regional law enforcement agencies on possible emergency response applications.
Operating the aircraft required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 91 approval, according to Jetson. The Jetson ONE was originally developed as a recreational aircraft under US Part 103 rules.
“We want to stay at the forefront of this technology and understand how it can be used to advance public safety and airspace safety altogether,” said Aaron Murray, Police Chief at Florida Polytechnic University.
Police officers, including Murray, have received pilot training. The program will also provide a practical platform for students and researchers, supporting the university’s aerospace engineering program, launched in autumn 2026.
The deployment marks a potential expansion of compact electric aircraft into public service applications beyond recreational flight. However, the university’s stated uses remain exploratory, with the program intended to investigate operational integration and safety considerations.
Florida is also participating in the FAA’s eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program. The state’s growing advanced air mobility infrastructure includes the SunTrax test facility in Auburndale, near the university.
The aircraft is scheduled to appear at UP.Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on 7–8 November 2026.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is a Junior Editor at Voyageur Group, having joined in 2024. She writes for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.