California-based JetPack Aviation (JPA) has just announced a successful test ride of its prototype flying motorcycle “The Speeder”. The company reported it is now taking advance orders and may manufacture a version for the U.S. Army.
The firm has been working on the project since 2019, and throughout this time had to change the flight algorithm from scratch to get stabilization, but have not been able to make manned expeditions yet.
JPA details that flying the Speeder will be like riding a motorcycle, but in the sky. It will be the first fully stabilized, turbine-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) personal aircraft ever built.
Two-version Launch
JetPack Aviation said they plan to build two types of the flying vehicles: the ultralight version and the experimental aircraft.
The ultralight version (UVS) will not require a pilot’s license to operate; all training will be provided by JPA or one of their authorized training centers. It will be limited to carrying 20 liters of fuel and at a flight speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
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The experimental (EVS) must be operated with a private pilot’s license and will have no fuel or speed restrictions. “As the owner/pilot of the EVS, we will host him/her at our manufacturing facility and he/she will be part of the aircraft completion process,” the organization highlights this.
Military Component
JPA revealed that they are not only working on the commercial model, but are also developing a military version of their flying motorcycle for the U.S. Army. In fact, that was the original conception, as part of a special program for US troops seeking a new generation of vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The brains behind this innovation assure that their Speeder, besides mobilizing platoons, could be transformed in just a few minutes into a ‘Speeder Cargo’ to transport medicines, weapons, wounded or practically anything.
Additionally, they point out that it has a function to be operated by remote control if necessary. Its autonomy would be somewhat greater than the original prototype, from 20 to 30 minutes of flight time, maintaining the same specifications, except for the total weight.
About JetPack Aviation
The manufacturer has led the micropersonal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry for the past 10 years. Based in Los Angeles, California, they are dedicated on building the safest, smallest and fastest flying vehicles possible.
Between 2010 and 2015 they designed and manufactured the world’s first portable JetPack. After eight tests, the company’s CEO flew the JetPack JB9 around the Statue of Liberty as one of the flagship events staged by the organization.
Written by I Jhonattan González
