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A futuristic flying car has successfully flown over another vehicle during a test in the United States, marking a major milestone for airborne transportation.

US startup Alef Aeronautics has released footage of its Model Zero prototype taking off and soaring over a parked car on a public road in California - a first-of-its-kind demonstration outside of a controlled test environment.

“This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,” said Alef Aeronautics chief executive Jim Dukhovny.

“We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible.”

Unlike most flying car prototypes, which resemble quadcopter drones with external rotor blades or require fold-down wings for takeoff, the Alef Model Zero maintains a conventional car design while concealing its rotors within the chassis.

The company has revealed that its fully electric vehicle will have a driving range of 320 kilometres and a flight range of approximately 160km.

Founded in 2015, Alef Aeronautics aims to develop an affordable flying vehicle for the masses, rather than just a luxury product for the wealthy.

So far, the startup has secured more than 3,300 pre-orders for its Model A, which is set to enter production later this year. A manufacturing deal has already been signed with PUCARA Aero and MYC, a partnership known for producing aviation-grade parts for Airbus and Boeing.

With a starting price of around $300,000 (£237,000), the Model A is the company’s first commercial flying car. However, Alef is also working on a more affordable Model Z, expected to be priced at around $35,000.

“Designed to drive on the street, take off vertically when needed and fly overhead above traffic, we’re building the solution to the issues of modern congestion,” the company states on its website.

“It fits into a regular driving lane and conforms to all traffic regulatory conditions. Alef flying car fits into a regular parking space and inside a regular-sized garage.”