A Flying Motorcycle could change the way we travel
Move over flying cars... your worst nightmare is here!
Yes, you’ve dreamed of flying cars (haven’t we all). You’d like to take one on your commute - traffic free. Let’s take that one step further though - what about a motorcycle? Something that is built for speed and fun. US-based JetPack Aviation is stirring the pot with something that sounds just like that. They're working on a heavy-lift vehicle that's basically a flying motorcycle. Yes, I’m not joking —a motorcycle that flies. Currently in the prototype testing phase, they're chasing after that golden ticket: FAA certification.
This high-flying dream is being crafted by JetPack Aviation and Mayman Aerospace. JetPack Aviation, hailing from California, isn't new to this space. They've already created a personal jet pack, and now they're taking a leap onto (I was almost going to say two wheels) the future with a flying motorcycle.
The ‘flying motorcycle’ is dubbed the Speeder P2. Don't let the name fool you; it's more than just a bike with wings. It's a heavy-lift VTOL aircraft, versatile enough for a range of uses. Powering this beast are eight turbine engines, two per corner, aided by an AI system for smooth sailing—er, flying. You can hop on and pilot it yourself, control it remotely, or let it fly autonomously. So many, many choices…
As for the specs, let’s take a quick look:
It can haul over 600 pounds (272 kilograms).
It could hit speeds of up to 500 miles per hour (though if you're riding it, don't expect to go that fast).
It's roughly the size of a large motorcycle.
And yes, it can be flown manually, remotely, or autonomously.
The Speeder isn't just a flying motorcycle for thrill-seekers. It's a Micro VTOL multi-mission Air Utility Vehicle (if you thought eVTOL was a weird acronym). This means it's got a variety of uses, from military operations to cargo transport, firefighting, medical evacuations, and more. It's a Swiss Army knife - or at least could be.
This whole project sprang from a US military request. They wanted a beefed-up, user-friendly version of the existing jet pack. David Mayman, the company founder, shared that the military wanted a vehicle that could lug around 210 pounds, which then evolved to nearly 300 pounds. They wanted it so easy to fly, so they’ve set it up in a way that lets you learn within 10 minutes.
As for the important FAA certification, it's a work in progress. The company's already got a prototype going, showing off its take-off, hovering, and flight transition capabilities. But they need that FAA stamp of approval to get the show to the skies.
They're focusing on rolling out the unmanned version first, followed by the manned ‘motorcycle.’ As per The Robb Report, Mayman mentioned that they're working on a special airworthiness certificate for experimental certification, but it's a slow process because, let's face it, the FAA hasn't exactly dealt with flying motorcycles before.
The company is already showcasing non-flying models at exhibitions and has even started taking Pre-orders for this futuristic sky cycle. And if you've got $381,000 lying around, you might just be able to snag one for yourself, according to Robb Report (I was unable to find this link otherwise I’d totally Pre-order myself *cough*).
So we now have flying motorcycles making a play for the skies.