Florida Polytechnic University has acquired a futuristic electric aircraft for its police department, launching a new initiative to test how flying vehicles could be used for campus security, emergency response and law enforcement operations.
Florida Polytechnic University has selected the Jetson ONE, a single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, for a pioneering public safety initiative that could offer a glimpse into the future of policing.
Manufactured by Swedish company Jetson, the aircraft has been nicknamed “Astro,” after the family dog from the animated television series The Jetsons.
The university plans to explore how advanced air mobility technology could support police operations, emergency services, education and aviation research.
A Flying Eye Over Campus
Before the aircraft can be integrated into university operations, the institution must obtain authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Jetson ONE platform confirmed its technical compliance in May 2025 and offers sufficient payload capacity for additional equipment and police identification systems.
According to the company, Jetson ONE aircraft are already operating across four continents, with more than 125 trained pilots.
The university’s police department intends to use the aircraft to monitor the campus and surrounding areas, reach locations that are difficult to access by ground, and potentially deliver emergency supplies in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
Jetson CEO Stefan D’Anna described the university’s decision as an important milestone in the company’s strategy to expand personal electric aviation beyond recreational use.
He also revealed that the university received its first aircraft ahead of schedule, despite the company’s current three-year waiting list for its single-seat flying vehicles.
A Flying Laboratory for Students
Beyond its potential law enforcement applications, Astro will serve as a hands-on research platform for students and faculty at Florida Polytechnic University.
The university recently launched a new aerospace engineering degree program, giving students the opportunity to study advanced flight technologies in a real-world environment.
Faculty members and students are already coordinating efforts to use flight data from the aircraft for academic research and senior projects.
The initiative is part of an FAA pilot program designed to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies into Florida’s aviation infrastructure.
Testing is expected to take place at a specialized facility near the university, marking another step toward exploring how electric aircraft could become part of future public safety and transportation systems.
