The jet-powered hoverboard developed by the Beijing Institute of Mechanical Engineering is set to undergo its first manned test next year.
The hoverboard model showcased at the exhibition in Zhuhai. (Photo: Richard Zhang)
This vertical take-off device operates using four small jet turbine engines and can carry a person or cargo weighing over 100 kg to an altitude of 3,000 meters. Once airborne, passengers can hover for 10 minutes or fly in any direction at speeds of up to 150 km/h, according to a report by the South China Morning Post on November 9.
With the support of an AI-powered flight control system, operating the device is as simple as using a regular skateboard, the Beijing Institute of Mechanical Engineering, a contractor in China’s space and hypersonic weapons programs, shared at the Zhuhai International Airshow in Guangdong.
A representative from the institute stated that the smart hoverboard is advanced enough to be self-driving, allowing it to transport goods or a single passenger. The Chinese Navy could utilize this device for boarding ships taken over by pirates. Beyond military applications, the technology could also be used in civilian sectors, including search and rescue operations, fire evacuation, and urban transportation.
The U.S. military has also funded various research projects aimed at developing small aircraft for soldiers during the Cold War. However, these projects faced delays due to technical challenges and safety concerns. In recent years, several companies in France and the UK have introduced prototype products like flying boards and jet suits for various purposes, including military use. However, operating these devices requires extensive training and physical fitness, with each product potentially costing hundreds of thousands of USD before mass production.
The Beijing Institute of Mechanical Engineering announced that the SF-FB-30 jet hoverboard was developed by a team of experienced industrial production experts. The device is entirely developed and manufactured using Chinese micro-jet engine technology and materials, allowing the manufacturer to reduce costs.
