The UDX electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) motorbike model can accelerate to nearly 100 km/h in just 3 seconds.
Flight simulation with Airwolf. (Video: UDX).
The Czech company is testing a scaled-down prototype of the Airwolf electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) motorbike, as reported by New Atlas on May 30. With thrust provided by a tilting engine according to the wind direction, Airwolf has sufficient wing surface area for efficient cruising as well as flexible movement during hover.
According to UDX, Airwolf is an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle resembling a motorcycle with a power output of 430 horsepower, boasting the agility of a hummingbird, capable of carrying two passengers. While it may look like a conventional four-engine aircraft, what truly sets Airwolf apart from other eVTOL models is its tilting propulsion chamber. Each of the four rotor clusters with protective rings can move independently.
Airwolf will weigh approximately 230 kg but promises to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in 3 seconds.
Airwolf features meticulously designed wings arranged to efficiently fly forward, generating about 50% of the lift needed to keep the vehicle hovering in the air. This allows the vehicle to require less energy from its battery and have a longer range. Airwolf is expected to weigh around 230 kg but can accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in 3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 229 km/h. With its high maneuverability and speed at this weight, the vehicle has an estimated flight time of 25 minutes and a range of 66 km. Airwolf can perform various aerobatic maneuvers thanks to its electric flight control system, fly through steep canyons with 360-degree visibility, and pick up passengers along the way.
UDX has developed operational prototypes on a small scale, integrating a vector thrust system. Airwolf will require considerable time to finalize before it goes into production. To operate UDX Airwolf, users will need a sport pilot license in the U.S., which means they must undergo 20 hours of flight training and pass two tests.
