Designed to replace cars, the Airscooter can glide through the air at speeds of 100 km/h and take off and land vertically.
Design of the Airscooter flying vehicle. (Photo: Zapata).
French inventor Franky Zapata has introduced a new personal flying vehicle featuring an egg-shaped cockpit and capable of operating at altitudes of up to 2,900 meters. A journey that typically takes about two hours by car during peak hours can be reduced to just 10 minutes with this Airscooter, reported Mail on August 21.
Zapata’s company shared images of the Airscooter design and indicated that the vehicle is currently in the manufacturing process. The Airscooter is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, capable of flying directly into the air without the need for a runway. This hybrid electric vehicle utilizes a combination of fuel and electricity to power six rotors mounted around the top of the egg-shaped cockpit. Thanks to this hybrid propulsion system, the Airscooter can fly for two hours, longer than any other VTOL model on the market.
The cockpit is controlled using a joystick, allowing individuals to pilot the vehicle easily after a brief training session. Its ultra-lightweight design means the Airscooter weighs only 115 kg, roughly equivalent to the weight of two adults. Although it aims to replace cars, the Airscooter will not be available for purchase on the market. Instead, individuals will pay a fee to pilot it for 40 minutes and enjoy the scenery through the windows.
Starting next year, Zapata plans to open flight centers in the United States, offering recreational flights for customers. The first center will be located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
