Jetpack Aviation Develops Flying Motorcycle, Check Out Its Ability!

One example is the Speeder, which the US Marine Corps is likely to order. (photo: jetpack aviation)

JAKARTA - Jetpack Aviation, the maker of luxury vehicles called "flying motorcycles" have completed flight testing of their first prototype. This vehicle can move up to a speed of 300 miles per hour (482 km per hour). The US company is also ready to accept pre-orders for this product, in the next few years.

Jetpack Aviation describes their product, the Speeder, as a small plane that can take off and land vertically (Vertical Take Off Landing). The plane or more like a flying motor is jet-powered. Can be used as cruise vehicle and special mission vehicle. It is even claimed to be very suitable for medical teams and fire and rescue operations.

The Speeder P1, one of the flying motorcycle prototypes that has an aluminum chassis, was recently tested in Southern California. Aerospace Testing International reports, the P1, proved to achieve several benchmarks that 'demonstrate the Speeder's ability to take off, climb, hover and make a slow transition to forward flight,'.

Prototype Speeder that can fly.

The speeder is claimed to be able to reach an altitude of up to 15,000 feet. It is capable of producing a maximum thrust of 1,200 pounds. With cargo inside, the Speeder can go up to 300 mph. The manned version of the Speeder, however, will move slower so the pilot can see and breathe safely.

According to Jetpack Aviation CEO David Mayman, the Speeder was reported to cost only US$380,000 (Rp 5.5 billion). However, it is likely to increase.

The speeder is also small enough that it can be transported in a trailer and doesn't need to be charged before takeoff. Unlike the jetpack, there is not much prep effort required to launch. "You just get on and fly," Mayman said, as reported by New Atlas.

JA has even worked on the next iteration, namely P1.5. This prototype will use a smaller frame with carbon fiber body panels. This prototype will look closer to the final production model and will fly without a tether. The next experimental model, the P2, will have a fully formed body and small removable wings.

While the current Speeder prototype uses four engines, in the final production model this flying motorbike will have up to eight engines.

CNBC reports that Jetpack Aviation has received backing from venture capitalists such as Tim Draper, an early investor in Tesla and Elon Musk's SpaceX. Currently Speeders can be powered by jet fuel, diesel or kerosene. However, Mayman, in the future is committed to adopting clean fuels from carbon.

Speeder prototype which has eight engines.

The company has attracted attention with its JB-10 and JB-11 jetpacks, which are the only rides on Earth powered by a min-turbojet engine. Speeders operate on the same principle, but will move faster, carry heavier loads, and can carry up to two passengers.

Mayman said the goal was to make the Speeder modular, with different frame types and propulsion arrangements to serve different customer needs. “We have potential end users in the US Marine Corps who want to be able to fly, say, 300 miles. To do that, you need a wingspan of 15-17 feet," says Mayman.

“Sometimes, you just want to fly the chassis, so it has to be modular and adaptable in the field. For long-distance travel, it is possible to use the wing by having a full tank with additional fuel in it,” said Mayman.

Well, this flying motorbike in the future can be a mode of transportation that is environmentally friendly and of course free of traffic jams.