Texas: Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s newly demonstrated flying Roadster has sparked debate over whether its compressed-air propulsion system could sustain flight beyond a few seconds.
The debate intensified after prominent artificial intelligence scientist and computer scientist Yann LeCun questioned the feasibility of the technology following a demonstration at a SpaceX facility in Texas on October 15.
The Roadster was shown performing aerial manoeuvres, including driving upside down, flipping through the air and landing on its wheels with the help of compressed-air thrusters.
LeCun used calculations to argue that compressed air could provide only a brief burst of thrust. He estimated that even if compressed air accounted for half the vehicle’s weight, the available thrust might last less than 10 seconds and potentially closer to five seconds.
LeCun suggested that the demonstration vehicle could be a lightweight shell equipped with large compressed-air tanks rather than a practical passenger car capable of sustained flight.
Musk responded to LeCun’s comments with a joke rather than directly addressing the calculations, prompting a further sarcastic response from the scientist.
LeCun compared the propulsion system to a brief burst of high-pressure gas, citing a hypothetical 600-litre tank operating at 700 bar.
However, the calculations do not establish that the demonstration was fake. The event was livestreamed, witnessed by spectators and supported by independent recordings of the manoeuvres.
The central question remains whether Tesla can develop the technology into a practical vehicle capable of sustained flight. The demonstrated manoeuvres involved brief periods in the air and did not establish the Roadster’s ability to fly over long distances.
Tesla has indicated that production could begin in 2028. However, the proposed flying version has not been approved for use on public roads, and its final design, performance and regulatory status remain uncertain.