Latest news with #Volonaut
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Flying bikes: The future of VTOL
Volonaut's newly released Airbike is a lightweight, single-rider aerial vehicle designed to hover and fly short distances at low altitudes. It is visually reminiscent of a motorcycle fused with a drone, with many hailing it to be a 'Star Wars-style flying bike.' It uses a compact jet propulsion system, enabling the vehicle to achieve vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Onboard stabilisation software, enhanced by a flight computer, allows the rider to easily manoeuvre while flying, with the handlebars serving as the main form of steering, like a traditional bike. Additionally, the system also integrates obstacle sensors, GPS routing, and altitude governors for safety and semi-autonomous balance. While not considered to be a regular street vehicle, the Airbike does offer a possible solution for short-range urban mobility. The benefits of the Airbike The Airbike taps into a long-standing vision of personal flight. It is compact, manoeuvrable, and user-operated without needing a full pilot's license (in some jurisdictions). For short-range commutes over gridlocked cities, it offers the possibility of bypassing congested infrastructure entirely. With it having zero ground footprint during flight, it avoids the spatial limits of cars, bikes, and larger ground vehicles, potentially leading to less congested roads. And while the Airbike may seem difficult to ride, its onboard flight computer assists the rider to allow for an easier flying experience. Finally, being constructed with 3D printing techniques and advanced carbon fiber material, the Airbike is a lot lighter than existing VTOL alternatives, coming in at 66lb (30kg). With this lightweight design, the Airbike can also reach a top speed of 102 km/h (63mph), which complies with the US Federal Aviation Administration rules. The downsides The Airbike is in the early stages of its lifecycle. Several issues limit practicality in its current form. Fuel and battery life are the main constraints, only allowing the vehicle to fly for a maximum of ten minutes, massively restricting its range. Safety is another significant concern. While it is equipped with safety measures, the lack of enclosure or crash mitigation makes any malfunction potentially catastrophic. Weather limitations like harsh winds, heavy rain, and low visibility can ground the Airbike more often than not, raising questions of whether it is worth investing in. Also, legal implications are a grey area for Airbikes, with no established framework for public use. Insurance, liability, registration, and flight permissions are pending issues that are unresolved. Ultimately, the Airbike comes at a steep price of reportedly around $880,000, meaning it is not a mass-market product. The potential of the Airbike Despite limitations, the Airbike represents an evolving frontier of aerial micro-mobility. As battery tech improves and noise-reducing propulsion systems mature, future models could significantly expand in range and safety. In low-traffic or emergency contexts, such as rural rescue, infrastructure inspection, or military scouting, the Airbike already shows tactical advantages. Longer term, if regulations catch up and manufacturing scales, personal VTOLs might fill niche transportation roles between bikes and helicopters. However, that future hinges on critical advancements in autonomy and airspace. For now, the Airbike is less a replacement for cars and more a signal that daily travel and commuting may one day leave the ground. "Flying bikes: The future of VTOL" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Post
5 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
5 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
5 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
5 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
