Tesla demonstrates redesigned Roadster with compressed-air thrusters, targets 2028 production
publishers 156articles 199first reported 14 Oct, 01:36 UTCdeveloping since 14 Oct · 14 editionstop 25 #3
Tesla demonstrated a redesigned version of its long-delayed Roadster on October 15 at SpaceX’s rocket-testing facility in McGregor, Texas, and said production is planned for 2028.
During the presentation, a prototype traveled upside down on a curved ramp using a suction system, then launched into the air, rotated and landed on its wheels with help from compressed-air thrusters. It also used the thrusters to jump over a row of Tesla vehicles. The demonstrations showed brief aerial maneuvers rather than sustained flight.
Tesla described three planned versions. The road-ready Performance model would use active aerodynamics and a fan-driven suction system. The Thrust model would add rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, while an invitation-only, single-seat Rocket version would use 10 thrusters and be capable of briefly leaving the ground. Tesla says the Rocket version is not approved for public-road use.
The company is accepting $250,000 reservations for the Thrust trim. Tesla claims the redesigned car will have a top speed exceeding 230 mph and a range of more than 300 miles. That range is less than half the 620 miles promised when the second-generation Roadster was first unveiled in 2017 for a planned 2020 launch.
The Federal Aviation Administration told CBS News and Politico that the Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft, so the agency would not certify it as airworthy. Tesla has not disclosed how high, far or long the Rocket version could remain airborne.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 78 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
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- This version written
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