Florida researchers expect to take a flight fit for the future with eVTOL technology

Florida researchers expect to take a flight fit for the future with eVTOL technology Florida researchers at SunTrax are making new strides in eVTOL technology as they strive for a new milestone this year TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Central Florida researchers are thinking on ways to improve a new kind of aircraft that Governor Ron DeSantis described as a scene out of “Back to the Future ” or “The Jetsons.” Monday afternoon, DeSantis revealed that the SunTrax research team in Polk County is working on developing electric vertical aircraft takeoff and landing aircrafts (eVTOL) These are aircraft that don’t require a runway to takeoff. SunTrax is the first Advanced Air Mobility Aerial Test Track in the country, officials said Monday. They will also work on the first high seed autonomous vehicle test track. According to the governor, Central Florida will be the primary aerospace region in the state to test this technology by the end of the year. Governor DeSantis said that this research will bring forth technological advancements only dreamed of in movies before this point. “We are turning this somewhat dream into a reality. I can’t promise we’ll ever be able to take you to the future, to the past, but I think we’re going to be able to get you up in the air at some point in the not too distant future,” he said. The state plans for the eVTOL to be available for rideshare eventually, as well as for cargo and medical transportations. Florida is among several other states selected by the FAA to test eVTOL aircrafts. Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.