Inspenet, August 4, 2023.
Urban mobility through air transport is undergoing constant advances and one of the latest innovations that is generating interest is eVTOL technology , especially the one developed by Franky Zapata, known for being the inventor of the Flyboard, a very popular aquatic propulsion device some years.
Zapata’s eVTOL , called the Airscooter, is scheduled to make its first flights in the United States in early 2024. This electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft aims to revolutionize travel within cities, offering a faster, more efficient and sustainable alternative, without requiring a pilot’s license.
The Airscooter was presented during the Viva Tech fair on June 14, leaving a remarkable impression on all attendees.
It uses innovative electric hybrid propulsion technology to generate the lift and momentum needed to fly. It uses multiple rotors to ease the transition from vertical to horizontal flight and is powered by 5 jet engines. As pointed out by the creator himself, this aircraft is considered the smallest manned aircraft ever built .
A prominent feature of the Airscooter is that after completing a short course, anyone can ride it, without the need to obtain a pilot’s license .
It is an electric hybrid device and those responsible for the Zapata company assure that its carbon footprint will not exceed that of a private car. Likewise, they report that it will have a two-hour autonomy at a speed of 80 km/h, being able to reach 100 km/h and fly at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters .
The size of the aircraft is 3.4 meters long and 3.4 meters wide, with a load capacity of up to 120 kg . It is designed to transport only one occupant (the pilot) who will be located in a fully glazed cabin.
Franky Zapata plans to manufacture around 1,000 units of this device per year and each of them will be priced at €100,000 .
Urban mobility is about to change
Airscooter, like other electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL), has the advantage of offering extensive benefits in terms of mobility. Thanks to its ability to operate vertically, it can take advantage of existing urban heliports or dedicated infrastructure, avoiding the need for large airports.
Franky Zapata’s goal with this innovation is to reduce traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of commuting within cities.
Source and photo: https://okdiario.com/coolthelifestyle/motor/evtol-franky-zapata-juguete-aereo-desafia-movilidad-urbana-550545
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