The World’s First Flying Motorcycle

Why not fly motorcycles as well? We already have flying cars and flying people with jet packs, so why not fly motorcycles?

Jetpack Aviation, which already manufactures vertical people propellers, recently announced that its prototype jet-driven flying motorcycle had successfully completed a test flight. The California company plans to introduce two consumer versions of the bike that are badass enough to rival Easy Rider.

In order to monitor and adjust the thrust of the Speeder, Jetpack Aviation wrote its own flight-control software. The result of that work, which took a year and a half, is an intuitive system that can be operated like a conventional motorcycle and automatically stabilizes the machine. In about the same space as a car, it is able to take off and land vertically, and it can fly autonomously.

David Mayman, Jetpack Aviation CEO, told Robb Report that an ultralight version [which does not require a pilot's license] could be ready within two years and an experimental version within six months after that. “The ultralight version has a maximum speed of 60 mph (FAA rules) with a flight time of 15 minutes.

For this version, an ordinary pilot's license would be required. A flight time of about 35 minutes would be associated with this version, with a speed of about 250 mph."

It is intended that the final product will have eight turbines, two at each corner of the bike, instead of the original four (as shown in the images accompanying this article). Furthermore, they will make the Speeder capable of carrying 600 pounds, setting it apart from other VTOL craft because of its size-to-payload ratio. Air cycles come with hand controls, navigation screens, and radios.

This summer and fall, a new Speeder 2.0 prototype will undergo more intensive testing before construction is complete. Tests have begun in 2022. Jetpack will use Prometheus Fuels, Inc.'s zero-carbon fuel for all of its own operations, including future testing.

Commercial versions will also be offered by the military and public safety organizations. These versions will include detachable wings for increased range, as well as storage compartments for fire retardants, medical personnel, and injured passengers.

According to JPA, the consumer versions will cost $381,000. Preorders are now being taken.

Published: June 16, 2022