Tesla demonstrated a flying version of its next-generation Roadster on Thursday at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas. The electric sports car briefly became airborne during two demonstrations, using compressed-air thrusters to maneuver through the air before landing on its wheels. The unveiling follows years of claims by CEO Elon Musk that the vehicle would be capable of flight.
During the demonstration, the unoccupied Roadster drove up a curved ramp and continued upside down before leaving the structure, rotating in midair and landing upright. A second demonstration showed the car using its thrusters to fly over a row of parked Tesla vehicles.
SpaceX-Derived Propulsion
The Roadster uses an underbody fan system to generate suction and maintain traction, including while traveling upside down. Tesla engineering vice president Lars Moravy said the vehicle carries approximately 600 liters of compressed air in two pressure vessels and uses 10 thruster nozzles for propulsion and maneuvering.
According to Reuters, Tesla plans three versions of the Roadster, including a single-seat Rocket variant equipped with a full flight system. Production is currently targeted for 2028. Musk said the vehicle’s attitude-control and rear thrusters could allow it to perform rolls and other maneuvers in midair.
“Now, I should say that this is not necessarily a safety optimized car,” Musk said during the presentation. “Okay. But it takes the fun meter to 11 out of 10.”
The demonstrations were conducted autonomously without anyone inside the Roadster. Musk said the decision was intended to avoid endangering anyone during the stunts. He also acknowledged uncertainty about whether the vehicle would be legal to operate in all jurisdictions.
FAA Certification Questions
The demonstration raises regulatory questions about the Roadster’s potential operation as an aircraft. Under FAA regulations, an aircraft is broadly defined as a device used or intended for flight, regardless of its ability to operate on roads. The agency previously issued an experimental airworthiness certificate for another flying-car developer, Alef Aeronautics, permitting restricted testing and demonstrations.
Tesla has not publicly outlined an FAA certification pathway for the Roadster’s proposed flying capability, and Thursday’s demonstration did not establish whether the vehicle could perform sustained flight.
We can be pretty sure now that (just like Trump issuing pardons right after million dollar “donations” to not just release fraudsters after mere days in jail but screw their poor elderly victims out of restitution) Elon Musk has dropped $388 million dollars on Republican candidates. he shouldn’t have any problem getting waivers from FAA, DOT, EPA, DOJ, etc. for a production/consumer version of this stunt car.
That’s flying in the same sense as me jumping off my porch and landing on my two feet is considered “flying”…
So, Elon Musk created a rc car without an engine, drive train, hvac system, interior and exterior lighting, seats, etc. He’s PT Barnum.
Wow! You cheeseballs are real haters aren’t you? Please explain to me what is wrong with this? It is fun to sit back and watch how much space Musk, Trump etc occupy in your little brains!
It’s hillarious how much Trump lives in your head rent-free 24/7. Imagine how happy you (and those who have to live with you) might be if you just lightened up a bit and realized that nobody wants to hear political rants from either side of the aisle. BTW: Your side releases actual violent perps who go back out and kill people - but I’m guessing you’re okay with that.
T,T, - I thought the same. If these people obsessed with hatred would instead spend the time analyzing this vehicle’s performance, they would have realized what an incredible feat of engineering it is. I won’t argue its practicality beyond the proof of amazing physical and electronic design, but it has done just that. I personally salute Mr Musk and his entire team for the design and construction of this craft.
There is no purpose for it. Keep your politics to yourself.
As much as you clowns want to spout your political BS, we don’t want to hear it. Keep your politics to yourelf.
Monitors: time to clean house.
Our MAGA friends, “the champions of free speech” but only if they agree with that said free speech.
Just imagine what it would be like to be a young engineer getting to work on a project like this. It would be fantastic. Combining advanced car technology with spacecraft technology to produce a truly unique vehicle. This type of work helps the US produce some of the best engineers in the world. This was a technology demonstration and it will no doubt find transportation and military applications, but it’s not going to be your daily driver:-)
AvWeb and its AI generated articles. FAA has already stated that it does not meet the FAA’s definition of an aircraft. See related article: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/16/faa-tesla-flying-car-01123316
Ever hear the expression “Time & Place”? Some of us think an aviation forum isn’t the right time or place for political rants.
So this ‘car’ is going to fly on compressed air? This isn’t remotely an aircraft and I’m not sure why it is even in AvWeb. My dog logged more flight time jumping off the bed this morning.
The flying car is the future, and it always will be.
The number of political posts that are being allowed to stay up just shows how far Avweb has fallen. Admins, take the posts down and shut the accounts down if they can’t control their TDS long enough to discuss aviation. I’m curious if that event should’ve technically required FAA approval and if it was given approval?
Unless it’s an ultralight. Then it’s a “vehicle”.
Buzz Lightyear: Falling with style.