Past generations dreamed of a hi-tech future filled with individual jetpacks and hover cars zipping by in every direction. Though this may not be a reality (yet), a designer named Tomasz Patan may have an invention that’s bringing this ambitious fantasy closer to reality. The innovative inventor has recently taken to the skies on his flying superbike, the Volonaut. In an official launch video posted to YouTube, the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) easily flies Patan through a valley, with the jet propulsion causing ripples in a shallow river. The reveal is somewhat of a surprise, as prior to launch, there was little news about its development.
According to the Volonaut website, this “superbike for the skies” can carry one person and move at speeds of up to 124 mph. Fabricated using advanced carbon fiber materials and 3D printing, Volonaut is seven times lighter than a motorcycle. Without any cage, the driver has 360-degree unobstructed views of the environment, making for a thrilling ride. In the three-minute video, Patan jets around in what appears to be a smooth ride, occasionally stopping and hovering to take in his surroundings.
The Polish inventor and entrepreneur used a minimalist, compact design that doesn’t include propellers. Not only does this keep the weight down, allowing it to sail to greater heights, but it also allows Volonaut to travel in areas with limited space. Patan demonstrated this ability in another video, released a few days after launch. In it, he zips around the forest while dressed as a scout trooper, deftly maneuvering between trees.
While there is no word on whether or not the Volonaut will be commercially available, the launch video is certainly generating buzz. In just one week, it received 1.3 million views on YouTube, proving that Patan’s “stealth mode” planning had big payoff.
The Volonaut is a “superbike for the skies” developed by Polish inventor Tomasz Patan.
Its compact, lightweight design allows it to fly in areas with limited space.
Volonaut: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Source: motorcycle for the skies: volonaut airbike flies and glides for the first time
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