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'Flying Car' Takes Flight in Tokyo

TOKYO - A next-generation vertical take-off and landing aircraft took to the skies of Tokyo for the first time on Friday.

The "flying car" lifted off from a parking lot at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in Koto Ward.

Spectators took photographs and videos of the craft as it rose to a height of about 10 meters and circled around.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has organized a series of events since April to showcase the role of state-of-the-art technologies in the capital's future.

The single-occupant aircraft was developed by a US company. It measures 4.5 meters wide and 2.6 meters high.

Officials said the craft can fly at a maximum speed of about 100 kph. It can stay aloft for approximately 15 minutes.

The flight event will be held a total of seven times through Thursday at the same venue.

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