Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini has presented his newest design, the Stratosfera Concept that can move on water, land, and in the sky.
Measuring 1.65 meters (1659 mm) in its diameter, Stratosfera is an ultra-light carbon fiber sphere capable of accommodating two passengers for a unique and wonderful journey. Designed under the Lazzarini Design Studio, the luxe bubble is made of carbon fiber and versatile enough to accommodate electrical motors and a hydrofoil or propellers that would help it fly.
To travel on water, the Stratosfera Acquatica would have an extendable foil mounted in the lower part of the sphere, allowing the submerged part to keep a very low center of gravity by incorporating all the battery packs. This helps the structure work like a gyroscope to keep the sphere pod stable with a self-balancing system for a smooth ride on the way to your destination. The balancing act ensures the tilting angle of the Stratosfera counters any sudden movement for a comfort-laden ride for the passengers.
The Stratosfera Acquatica is powered by twin 150 hp electric jet engines, propelling it forward high above the water at speeds of 30 knots. When the speed is slowed down, the pod comes down on the surface of the water.
The pilot controls the vehicle through a central high-tech cockpit, which is easy to use. One of the passengers will also have to do all the piloting, regardless of whether the bubble travels on water or by air.
The same cockpit compartment can be adapted for different mobility solutions, such as the Stratosfera Volatile that adopts the characteristics of an eVTOL. Powered by eight counter-rotating propellers, it would fly at a speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) eVTOL or could take off with the help of a solar-panel-covered air balloon. The studio does not detail the estimated range or flight altitude.
Access to Stratosfera is granted either from a front sliding glass or through a rooftop gate opening. Lazzarini Design Studio also mentions the possibility of Stratosfera traveling on land, but no details are included as to how that could be.
In addition to water, land, or sky use, the chassis can be adapted for other variants such as submarine or snowcat are currently under development.
The good news is that Jet Capsule plans to launch Stratosfera as an open-source project by mid-2022. This means it will allow investors and direct buyers input into the development and upgrading process of the versatile electric vehicle.
