Latest news with #TomaszPatan
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Company proves Star Wars speeder bikes are real — and they can reach mind boggling speeds
A controversial, Star Wars-style flying speeder bike has gone on sale. A viral video of the space-age Airbike vehicle zipping across the landscape divided opinions earlier this year, with many suggesting computer trickery had been used. However, Polish company Volonaut now says it will go into production in limited numbers at the launch price of £649k ($880k). 5 Polish company Volonaut is putting into production a Star Wars-style flying speeder bike. Volonaut / SWNS They also revealed new flight footage with original audio they claim shows Airbike is real. The video shows the small, one-person vehicle—said to be able to fly at 124mph—apparently flying over a test ground, thanks to a loud method of propulsion. Polish inventor and Volonaut founder Tomasz Patan said: 'This kind of extra footage was requested and highly anticipated. 5 The one-person vehicle is said to be able to fly at 124mph. Volonaut / SWNS 5 The company's new flight footage with original audio is being used to show that the technology is real. Volonaut / SWNS 'Although the original release went viral, it also managed to divide opinions and stir the internet. Many claimed this hoverbike is not real and that the footage has been produced with use of AI or CGI. 'It is not hard to imagine why—the futuristic vehicle seems to not obey the laws of physics with no visible means of generating lift or maintaining unprecedented stability with its rider on top of it. 'Volonaut is confirming the authenticity of all officially released video materials saying that a real, fully functional and flying prototype vehicle has been piloted by the inventor with zero use of special effects, AI or computer generated imagery.' In May, Volonaut stated that the AirBike is powered by jet propulsion, with a proprietary stabilization system enhanced by a flight computer to provide automatic hover capability and ease of control for its rider. 5 'Many claimed this hoverbike is not real and that the footage has been produced with use of AI or CGI,' Volonaut founder Tomasz Patan said. 'Volonaut is confirming the authenticity of all officially released video materials.' Volonaut / SWNS Tomasz Patan adds: ''It was always my dream to create a personal flying machine so futuristic and iconic that it could be placed on a science fiction movie set. 'The challenge was to come up with real-world reliable core technology that can be shrunk down and wrapped with a functional and bold design. 5 The launch price is £649k ($880k). Volonaut / SWNS 'The result is a first of its kind vehicle with incredible performance, stunning looks that actually resembles a sports motorbike, and it is flying.' Volonaut says they will manufacture a commercial hoverbike version with a top speed of 63mph, to meet the 'ultralight' classification requirements. This would allow people to ride it in the air outside densely populated areas without needing a pilot's license. The company adds: 'Specially developed training led by professionals will ensure that owners learn to safely and responsibly operate their speeders.' Volonaut says it has begun work on a pre-production version and aims to share first flight footage in 2026. Pre-order reservations will open on 1 August.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Star Wars-style FLYING ‘speeder bike' can zoom around skies at over 60mph – and you can pre-order your own in days
A POLISH start-up has offered us a glimpse at a Star Wars-laden future after launching a remarkable flying bike. The real life 'speeder bike' was first unveiled on 30 April in footage showing it taking off and landing in a wooded area. 5 The flying bike, from Poland-based startup Volonaut, uses redundant jet turbines Credit: Volonaut 5 A solo passenger can fly through the sky at up to 63mph (102kmph) Credit: YouTube 5 Volonaut has said the bike will be available for pre-order on 1 August Credit: YouTube The video is stripped back, with real sound and no special effects. The company also stresses that no CGI or artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to enhance the footage. That means the days of bikes and cars zooming above our heads is nearly here - with heavy emphasis on the 'nearly'. The flying bike, from Poland-based startup Volonaut, uses redundant jet turbines to beam a solo passenger through the sky at up to 63mph (102kmph). READ MORE ON FUTURE TECH Riders can fly through tight areas with ease due to its lack of spinning propellers, according to Volonaut. Thanks to carbon fiber materials and 3D printing, the Airbike is seven times lighter than a typical motorcycle, Volonaut added. The video shows a test pilot heavily cladded in protective gear riding a bike that has so far only existed in sci-fi movies. The aircraft is the brainchild of Polish inventor Tomasz Patan, who is also behind the Most read in Tech 5 While Patan's company Jetson continues works on a £68,000 flying car, his second firm Volonaut is working on a separate hoverbike. World's weirdest flying car that splits in HALF so you can fly over traffic - before the wheels drive The Airbike is the first hoverbike to achieve flight without traditional propellers, Volonaut claims on its website. Though riders won't be airborne for long. The Airbike can only hover off the ground for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. While Volonaut claims the hoverbike takes under 60 seconds to refuel, 10 minutes of air travel even at max speeds won't get you very far. The flight was "exceptionally smooth", according to the startup, "with no vibrations and great degree of control". Volonaut has said the bike will be available for pre-order on 1 August. However, the company has not mentioned a manufacturing or distribution timeline. It has also remained tight-lipped as to the price tag. Therefore, it's unclear just how much money Airbike hopefuls will have to part with - or when the aircraft will arrive at their doorstep if they do. While Volonaut's Airbike has definitely captured interest in personal VTOL innovations, it is interesting to note that, as of this writing, the company has not filed patents. 5 The Airbike can only hover off the ground for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time Credit: YouTube
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Star Wars-style FLYING ‘speeder bike' can zoom around skies at over 60mph – and you can pre-order your own in days
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POLISH start-up has offered us a glimpse at a Star Wars-laden future after launching a remarkable flying bike. The real life 'speeder bike' was first unveiled on 30 April in footage showing it taking off and landing in a wooded area. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The flying bike, from Poland-based startup Volonaut, uses redundant jet turbines Credit: Volonaut 5 A solo passenger can fly through the sky at up to 63mph (102kmph) Credit: YouTube 5 Volonaut has said the bike will be available for pre-order on 1 August Credit: YouTube The video is stripped back, with real sound and no special effects. The company also stresses that no CGI or artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to enhance the footage. That means the days of bikes and cars zooming above our heads is nearly here - with heavy emphasis on the 'nearly'. The flying bike, from Poland-based startup Volonaut, uses redundant jet turbines to beam a solo passenger through the sky at up to 63mph (102kmph). Riders can fly through tight areas with ease due to its lack of spinning propellers, according to Volonaut. Thanks to carbon fiber materials and 3D printing, the Airbike is seven times lighter than a typical motorcycle, Volonaut added. The video shows a test pilot heavily cladded in protective gear riding a bike that has so far only existed in sci-fi movies. The aircraft is the brainchild of Polish inventor Tomasz Patan, who is also behind the Jetson One - a type of futuristic air buggy. 5 While Patan's company Jetson continues works on a £68,000 flying car, his second firm Volonaut is working on a separate hoverbike. World's weirdest flying car that splits in HALF so you can fly over traffic - before the wheels drive The Airbike is the first hoverbike to achieve flight without traditional propellers, Volonaut claims on its website. Though riders won't be airborne for long. The Airbike can only hover off the ground for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. While Volonaut claims the hoverbike takes under 60 seconds to refuel, 10 minutes of air travel even at max speeds won't get you very far. The flight was "exceptionally smooth", according to the startup, "with no vibrations and great degree of control". Volonaut has said the bike will be available for pre-order on 1 August. However, the company has not mentioned a manufacturing or distribution timeline. It has also remained tight-lipped as to the price tag. Therefore, it's unclear just how much money Airbike hopefuls will have to part with - or when the aircraft will arrive at their doorstep if they do. While Volonaut's Airbike has definitely captured interest in personal VTOL innovations, it is interesting to note that, as of this writing, the company has not filed patents.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Star Wars-style FLYING ‘speeder bike' can zoom around skies at over 60mph – and you can pre-order your own in days
A POLISH start-up has offered us a glimpse at a Star Wars-laden future after launching a remarkable flying bike. The real life ' speeder bike ' was first unveiled on 30 April in footage showing it taking off and landing in a wooded area. 5 5 The video is stripped back, with real sound and no special effects. The company also stresses that no CGI or artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to enhance the footage. That means the days of bikes and cars zooming above our heads is nearly here - with heavy emphasis on the 'nearly'. The flying bike, from Poland -based startup Volonaut, uses redundant jet turbines to beam a solo passenger through the sky at up to 63mph (102kmph). Riders can fly through tight areas with ease due to its lack of spinning propellers, according to Volonaut. Thanks to carbon fiber materials and 3D printing, the Airbike is seven times lighter than a typical motorcycle, Volonaut added. The video shows a test pilot heavily cladded in protective gear riding a bike that has so far only existed in sci-fi movies. The aircraft is the brainchild of Polish inventor Tomasz Patan, who is also behind the Jetson One - a type of futuristic air buggy. 5 While Patan's company Jetson continues works on a £68,000 flying car, his second firm Volonaut is working on a separate hoverbike. World's weirdest flying car that splits in HALF so you can fly over traffic - before the wheels drive The Airbike is the first hoverbike to achieve flight without traditional propellers, Volonaut claims on its website. Though riders won't be airborne for long. The Airbike can only hover off the ground for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. While Volonaut claims the hoverbike takes under 60 seconds to refuel, 10 minutes of air travel even at max speeds won't get you very far. The flight was "exceptionally smooth", according to the startup, "with no vibrations and great degree of control". Volonaut has said the bike will be available for pre-order on 1 August. However, the company has not mentioned a manufacturing or distribution timeline. It has also remained tight-lipped as to the price tag. Therefore, it's unclear just how much money Airbike hopefuls will have to part with - or when the aircraft will arrive at their doorstep if they do. While Volonaut's Airbike has definitely captured interest in personal VTOL innovations, it is interesting to note that, as of this writing, the company has not filed patents. 5
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Futuristic Star Wars-style hoverbike is real and NOT AI, inventor confirms - but it costs £649,000
A viral video of a Star Wars–style hoverbike zipping across the landscape divided opinions earlier this year, with many suggesting computer trickery had been used. Now, Polish company Volonaut has confirmed that the futuristic vehicle was not generated by AI, and is very much real. In fact, the vehicle, called the Airbike, will go into production in limited numbers next week. However, if you want to get your hands on one, you'll need to start saving. The Airbike will retail at the eye–watering launch price of £649,000 ($880,000). To prove its authenticity, Volonaut also revealed new flight footage with original audio. The video shows the small, one–person vehicle – said to be able to fly at 124mph – apparently flying over a test ground, thanks to a loud method of propulsion. Polish inventor and Volonaut founder Tomasz Patan said: 'This kind of extra footage was requested and highly anticipated. 'Although the original release went viral, it also managed to divide opinions and stir the internet. 'Many claimed this hoverbike is not real and that the footage has been produced with use of AI or CGI. 'It is not hard to imagine why–the futuristic vehicle seems to not obey the laws of physics with no visible means of generating lift or maintaining unprecedented stability with its rider on top of it. 'Volonaut is confirming the authenticity of all officially released video materials saying that a real, fully functional and flying prototype vehicle has been piloted by the inventor with zero use of special effects, AI or computer generated imagery.' In May, Volonaut stated that the AirBike is powered by jet propulsion, with a proprietary stabilisation system enhanced by a flight computer to provide automatic hover capability and ease of control for its rider. Tomasz Patan adds: 'It was always my dream to create a personal flying machine so futuristic and iconic that it could be placed on a science fiction movie set. 'The challenge was to come up with real–world reliable core technology that can be shrunk down and wrapped with a functional and bold design. 'The result is a first of its kind vehicle with incredible performance, stunning looks that actually resembles a sports motorbike, and it is flying.' To prove its authenticity, Volonaut also revealed new flight footage with original audio. The video shows the small, one–person vehicle – said to be able to fly at 124mph – apparently flying over a test ground, thanks to a loud method of propulsion Commonly used throughout the Star Wars galaxy, speeder bikes (pictured) are single-driver craft that move at very high speeds over 300 miles per hour Volonaut says they will manufacture a commercial hoverbike version with a top speed of 63mph, to meet the 'ultralight' classification requirements. This would allow people to ride it in the air outside densely populated areas without needing a pilot's licence. The company adds: 'Specially developed training led by professionals will ensure that owners learn to safely and responsibly operate their speeders.' Volonaut says it has begun work on a pre–production version and aims to share first flight footage in 2026. Pre–order reservations will open on 1 August. THE STAR WARS LANDSPEEDER According to Wookiepedia, in the Star Wars world, the X-34 was an open-air/sealed cockpit civilian landspeeder manufactured by SoroSuub Corporation. One famous owner was Luke Skywalker. It featured holographic displays, a computer for ground navigation, and a number of repulsor counterbalances for smooth and steady travel over rough terrain. Its maximum altitude was 1 meter (100 cm), but its usual cruising altitude was roughly 10 cm above ground level. It was powered by three turbine engines to propel the vehicle forward, and a 'repulsorfield generator' housing was located behind the cockpit. Its power circuit was located in front of the cockpit. The open-air landspeeder could be piloted through the use of a steering wheel and foot pedals, and featured a retractable duraplex windscreen.
