In an effort to bring personal flying machines to the skies, French inventor and former jet ski champion Franky Zapata is inviting people to try his latest flying machine – the JetRacer.
Meet the JetRacer
The JetRacer is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by ten kerosene-fired micro-turbojet engines.
Controlled by two joysticks, it is capable of a high degree of maneuverability, with a video of turning and turning the aircraft at speed as it flies over water.
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Not Zapata’s first rodeo
Zapatas had a long history with flying machines. In August 2019 he made history by: cross the English Channel — about 35 kilometers (22 miles) wide — on a hoverboard designed by his self-proclaimed company, Zapata.
What does the JetRacer mean for the future of mobility?
While there may be use-case applications in situations such as military search and rescue, but, just like the promises of the Xturismo hover bike or the omni hoverboardwill most likely only be used for hobbyists on private property or at commercially approved events.
There is simply no regulatory approval to fly these over cities to avoid congested roads.
Instead, these planes are being rolled out at fancy events like the Singapore F1, no doubt for a place of fundraising. And without any idea of the price, it will probably be another rich person’s toy.
To be honest, I’d be more excited if it used a revolutionary battery or patented super-fast charger. This would increase the aviation industry’s capabilities in the field of personal flying machines. Instead, JetRacer’s kerosene power disappointed me.
Even a sky racing plan would be pretty cool.
However, the aircraft is slightly more advanced than the earlier standing hoverboard with twin turbo engines and a seat.
At 250 km/h (155 mph), it is faster than the hoverboard’s 177 km/h (110 mph). But Zapata has yet to increase his speed to more than 130 kph (80 mph).
But for all my skepticism about its usefulness, the JetRacer can capture the imagination of the masses. It shows not only future possibilities, but also the here and now.
So often new mobility is only visible through drawings and CGI videos, but this is something you can actually see and experience.
Do you want to try it yourself?
Sure!
The company invites people to “become the pioneers of the mobility of the future”.
One hundred volunteers will be selected for simulation trials and training. Then 25 more will be sent to the US, where the aircraft does not require an ultralight aircraft license.
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