“Flying cars” is a fairly common word that you surely have heard these days, and indeed there are several interesting flying car prototypes unveiled in 2019. In August this year, for example, the Japanese flying car developed by NEC Corp. flew over the ground, then Volocopter is another big name in this field, and of course, there are many more. They are good – but why cars if you can have a flying motorcycle?
JetPack Aviation, the startup based in Los Angeles, has received an initial investment of $ 2 million from investors to develop a prototype of the first flying motorcycle in the world called The Speeder.
When JetPack announced its plans in March, it confirmed that the flying machine would offer a fully stabilized route controlled either by a pilot or fully autonomous. It will be able to take off and land vertically.
Besides, The Speeder is designed not to have exposed rotor systems, making driving smoother and safer than other VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles. The machine could reach maximum speeds of more than 150 mph (240 km/h), has 20 minutes of run time, can reach 15,000ft (4500m) altitude, and be refueled in less than five minutes, according to the first rumors.
The Speeder should feasibly be able to provide quick cargo transportation for emergency services and the military in a much shorter period.
The company will provide three different versions: a military version and two recreational versions. The Ultralight Version (UVS) will not require a pilot’s license to operate. It will be limited to carrying 5 gallons of fuel and to 60 mph flying speed. The Experimental Version (EVS) will require a private pilot’s license to fly and will have no fuel or speed restrictions. Full training will be provided at the JPA-authorized training centers to drive the vehicle.
But all that is not for now. The prototype is not yet developed. However, CEO and founder David Mayman has already launched functional back-end reactors and signed a partnership with the US military. This gives a little hope to see The Speeder come true.
