Concerns Raised Over Tesla’s Flying Roadster Stunt
Elon Musk recently showcased the Tesla Roadster’s flying capabilities, claiming it could soar through the air. The demonstration involved the car driving up a ramp, flipping upside down, and using cold-fuel thrusters to land safely.
While the stunt was visually impressive, significant questions remain about the vehicle’s regulatory approval for both road and air use. Observers are also curious whether the cars used in the stunt will resemble the consumer version, should it ever be released.
Tesla has stated that the “Rocket” version of the Roadster features 600 liters of compressed air, 10 directional cold-gas thruster nozzles, and a suction-fan system. To accommodate this equipment, the company claims to have removed the passenger seat.
However, some analysts speculate that the car may be even more stripped down than described, potentially lacking a full-sized battery to reduce weight. Screenshots of the car’s underside taken during the flight appear to show it missing a suction fan, raising doubts about whether Tesla has successfully integrated all the claimed features. Skeptics suggest that the hardware used for the stunt may differ between the two Roadsters involved.
Without a full-sized battery, the vehicle would be unable to drive on roads, even if it received regulatory approval.
Yann LeCun, a prominent computer scientist and AI pioneer, criticized the Roadster’s aerial display, labeling it a “marketing stunt” and questioning its feasibility. He noted that even if half the car’s mass were compressed air, it would only provide limited thrust for a brief period.
Musk has a history of promotional tactics that have raised eyebrows. In 2016, Tesla released a video of its self-driving car navigating public roads, which was later revealed to be staged.
At a recent event, Tesla attempted to impress investors with its humanoid robots, which were later found to be remotely controlled rather than autonomous.
Currently, it is impossible to verify the authenticity of Musk’s claims regarding the Roadster, as Tesla has not permitted public or media access to inspect the vehicle.
Source: Futurism