Latest news with #KenKarklin
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
San Bernardino County Fire considering new high-tech emergency response aircraft
The San Bernardino County Fire Department is considering upgrading their emergency response vehicles by acquiring state of the start technology that would allow them to respond even more quickly. Pivotal's eVTOL, which stands for electrical vertical take-off and landing, is an ultralight, all-electric aircraft that can soar above the ground at up to 60 miles per hour. It doesn't require a pilot's license and would allow paramedics to vastly speed up their emergency response times, especially in the county's more remote or mountainous areas. "Our thought was, if possible, we could put our paramedic in there with some life-saving gear," said SBCoFD Captain Shawn Millerick. "This actual aircraft can land in water and take off out of water, so theoretically, if someone's in the middle of a lake, we have fire boats that can get to them, but that takes time. This would be quicker." Pivotal says that they've been perfecting the aircraft for over a decade, which they typically have marketed for recreation. Now, they're expanding into the defense space and emergency services. "There are a lot of specific opportunities where this is the best choice," said Pivotal CEO Ken Karklin. "Say traffic on the 10 is at a standstill and there is a cardiac arrest or stroke, trauma, gunshots ... the sooner you can get a skilled paramedic on the ground, the faster you're gonna be able to perform triage and save lives." The single-person aircraft is currently being sold for around $250,000, which is a fraction of the cost of a helicopter. It's something that department officials are considering, especially Millerick, after he got a chance to use the flight simulator. "One thing that come up in conversation was, would this thing be capable of dropping retardant? ... Instead of a person inside of it, could it be retardant or water," Millerick said. "Considering our department's about 20,000-square-miles, with numerous types of complicated terrain, that could possibly be a device we use." San Bernardino County Fire is already one of the state's most tech-forward departments, actively using drones to respond to emergencies and determine the scale before actual crews can arrive. "We're really excited to have the possibility of working with them," said Karklin. There's no timetable as to when the department will make a decision on whether they begin implementing the aircrafts into their fleet, but Karklin says that full-scale production is anticipated to begin in December.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Head-turning footage captures next-gen flying machine as it takes to the skies: 'The first step toward 'The Jetsons''
A company named Pivotal demonstrated its electric flying car during Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Florida. As Fox 13 Tampa Bay reported, Pivotal created an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The eVTOL has a one-person capacity, lifts off like a helicopter, and cruises like an airplane. Interestingly, you don't need a pilot's license to operate the eVTOL because it falls into the ultralight aircraft category. After 13 years of development and numerous testing phases, the eVTOL design operates smoothly, efficiently, and quietly in the air. "It really is the first step toward 'The Jetsons,'" said Pivotal CEO Ken Karklin. This electric flying vehicle is a significant development because it provides a new option for clean energy transportation. Meanwhile, other innovative companies are creating next-gen airplanes that are powered by hydrogen and solar energy to reduce pollution in our skies. Futuristic aircraft designs are changing the way we think about air travel, and flying cars are a significant part of this sustainability shift. Although widespread public adoption of eVTOLs is likely still a ways off, it could offer many of the same benefits as electric vehicles on our roads. Compared to a traditional aircraft, an eVTOL could help owners save money on routine maintenance and low power costs while operating a quiet vehicle with no tailpipe pollution. Karklin said the civilian version of the eVTOL costs about $190,000. Meanwhile, the company is pursuing opportunities in the defense and public safety sectors to address security concerns and emergency rescue needs. Future eVTOL owners could potentially save even more money by installing solar panels to charge their flying vehicles. Charging vehicles at home is cheaper than using public charging stations and more sustainable than relying on the grid. Flying vehicle owners can compare solar quotes through EnergySage to find the best installation deals from trusted local professionals. Pivotal is launching a production version of the eVTOL in December and plans to be operational in two sites by the end of the year. Would you trust a self-driving car to take you to work every day? For sure Maybe someday I'm not sure Never in a million years Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
