Aero-X
The Aero-X hoverbike is an aircraft created by Aerofex, an aerospace engineering corporation based in Los Angeles, designed to carry up to two people. The vehicle is set for release in 2017.
Vehicle
Aerofex say that the vehicle rises 10 feet from the ground and can travel at a maximum of 45 miles per hour. It is expected to weigh 785lb and be 15 feet in length.[1] The bike runs for around 75 minutes on a full tank of fuel.[2]
The Aero-X does not fly with the same energy efficiency as a helicopter, due to its rotor blades being shorter, but it is much smaller in size and safer near humans.[3] This craft does not produce the brownout of helicopters, as it is designed to be able to operate near people without blowing any significant amount of dust.
Development
The vehicle has been in development since 2008 and was originally planned for use by one person or as an unmanned drone.[3][4]
One of the difficulties of this technology involves stability and control, preventing the craft from frequent rollovers and crashes. To achieve this, Aerofex added two control bars which the rider can access at knee level and easily lean to one side or the other to balance the craft.[5]
In 2014 Aerofex announced that the commercial version of the bike would begin production in 2016 for release in 2017. For a deposit of $5,000 the bike can now be ordered with a full price of $85,000.[1]
Planned usages
The planned usages include agricultural field work, delivering materials in rough terrain, and for search and rescue vehicles.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b Passary, Anu (16 May 2014). "Aero-X is a cool hover bike that can be yours in 2017... for $85,000". Tech Times. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ^ Munbodh, Emma (19 May 2014). "Star Wars-style hoverbikes that 'float over ground at speeds of 42mph' to launch in 2017". Mirror. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ^ a b c Hsu, Jeremy (2012-08-20). "New hover vehicle is straight out of 'Star Wars'". Fox News. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
- ^ Netburn, Deborah (23 August 2012). "Hover bike lets you fly over desert". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ^ "Aerofex hover-bike more than a flight of fancy". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia Network. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2014.