Science

Team behind James Bond-style Jetpacks raises $2 million to build a FLYING motorcycle 


Team behind James Bond-style Jetpacks raises $2million to build a FLYING motorcycle

  • A tech startup in Los Angeles has secured funding to manufacture a prototype of a flying motorcycle
  • Called the Recreational Speeder, it will have top speeds of 400mph and reach heights of 15,000 feet
  • Two versions of the Speeder are planned, one for commercial use and one for the military and government

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Today, a tech startup in Los Angeles announced it has secured $2million in funding to develop a prototype for a flying motorcycle.

Currently called Recreational Speeder, the flying motorcycle will be able to travel at speeds of up to 400mph  and climb as high as 15,000 feet.

It was developed by JetPack Aviation (JPA), and backed by investments from Draper Associates, Jaan Tallinn, Y Combinator, Catheis Ventures, and other venture capital firms.

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JetPack Aviation has announced it has received $2million venture capital funding to develop a prototype of its flying motorcycle, called the Recreational Speeder

JetPack Aviation has announced it has received $2million venture capital funding to develop a prototype of its flying motorcycle, called the Recreational Speeder

Speeder will support both manual and autonomous control, according to a report from TechCrunch.

It will be able to both take off and land vertically from a space as small as a conventional parking spot, and it will run on either kerosene, diesel, or Jet-A types of fuel.

JPA says the Recreational Scooter will be able to remain airbound for between 10 and 22 minutes, depending on pilot weight and altitude.

JPA says they have long-term plans to produce two distinct models of the Recreational Speeder, one of which would be an ultralight version intended for commercial use. 

A second experimental version will also be available for use in custom projects for the military, government, and commercial clients.

People will be able to buy and operate the ultralight version of the speeder without acquiring a pilot’s license.

Instead, they’ll be required to complete a training program provided by either JPA or an authorized dealer.

JPA says two versions of the Speeder are planned, a lightweight commercial version that won't require a pilot's license, and an experimental version for the military, government or commercial clients that will require a pilot's license

JPA says two versions of the Speeder are planned, a lightweight commercial version that won’t require a pilot’s license, and an experimental version for the military, government or commercial clients that will require a pilot’s license

JPA's CEO David Mayman says the $2million round of funding should pay for the complete design and manufacturing of one operational prototype

JPA’s CEO David Mayman says the $2million round of funding should pay for the complete design and manufacturing of one operational prototype

The ultralight version would be limited to a five gallon fuel tank and a top speed of 60mph. 

The experimental category will be customized to fit the individual client’s needs and will require a pilot’s license to operate.

According to JPA’s CEO, David Mayman, the $2million round of funding should cover the full costs of designing and manufacturing a functional prototype, which will be manufactured under the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations for experimental aircraft.

The experimental version of the Speeder will be able to reach top speeds of 400mph

The experimental version of the Speeder will be able to reach top speeds of 400mph

JPA says the Speeder will have the capacity to climb as high as 15,000 feet and travel for between 10 and 22 minutes depending on the weight of the pilot and altitude

JPA says the Speeder will have the capacity to climb as high as 15,000 feet and travel for between 10 and 22 minutes depending on the weight of the pilot and altitude

WHAT IS THE RECREATIONAL SPEEDER?

The Recreational Speeder is a flying motorcycle prototype that will be developed by the Los Angeles tech startup JetPack Aviation.

The Recreational Speeder will have a top speed of 400mph and be able to go as high as 15,000 feet.

It will run  on either kerosene, diesel, or jet fuel and be able to stay airborne for between 10 and 22 minutes, depending on altitude and pilot weight.

The Speeder will weigh 231 pounds.

JPA will develop two different models of the Recreational Speeder, an ultralightweight version that will have a five gallon fuel capacity and top speed of 60mph, and will not require a pilot’s license.

A second version of the speeder, called the experimental version, will be available for military, government, and commercial use and require a pilot’s license to operate.

The estimated cost will be $380,000, and pre-orders will require a $10,000 deposit. 

When the plan was originally announced in March, JPA said the motorcycles would cost around $380,000 each.

A spot on the pre-order list would require a $10,000 down payment.

Previously, JPA has developed prototypes for two different models of jetpacks and a cargo speeder, a self-piloted flying vehicle meant to deliver medical supplies and other material to military units.

In 2018, JPA unveiled prototypes for jetpacks, including the JB-10 model (pictured above)

In 2018, JPA unveiled prototypes for jetpacks, including the JB-10 model (pictured above)

‘I can’t imagine someone not being excited about a flying motorcycle,’ Y Combinator’s Jared Friedman said in March, after the project was first announced.

‘Jetpack Aviation created the future with Speeder, and I look forward to seeing how this technology transforms the dreaded commute, vacation travel, and everyday errands.’

JETPACK AVIATION IS DEVELOPING JAMES BOND-STYLE JETPACKS

JetPack Aviation has developed what’s said to be the world’s only true jetpack.

CEO and co-founder David Mayman worked with a team of engineers to build the one-person vertical take-off device, which he recently flew over London.

In a four minute flight he flew around 100 feet (30 metres) into the air above the River Thames in East London, zipping back and forth towards the ExCel conference centre.

Together with chief designer Nelson Tyler, he has launched the company called JetPack Aviation that is aiming to sell the jetpacks to the public.

The company also claims to have an agreement to develop a special heavy lifting version for US Special Forces.

The JB-10 JetPack is powered by two miniature jet engines run on aviation fuel that sit either side of a harness and can be controlled using two joysticks.

The firm also revealed the prototype for its next jetpack, the JB-11, at CES 2018, which can carrier heavier loads for short, fast trips, traveling over 150 miles per hour.

 



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