California-based Jetpack Aviation (JPA) just announced a successful test flight of its self-stabilizing, jet-driven flying motorcycle prototype called the Speeder. The company plans to produce two consumer versions for day-to-day users. JPA first unveiled the Speeder in 2019 and has since improved it. In that same year, they also launched the world’s first jetpack racing league, but that’s another story altogether.
The Speeder is a considerable engineering feat that involved JPA writing its own flight-control software program to monitor and regulate the thrust. The benefit of that achievement, which took 18 months, is an intuitive system that functions as a regular land-motorcycle and automatically stabilizes the contraption in flight. As a result, the Speeder can take off and land vertically from most surfaces in about the same space taken up by a car. In addition, it can be programmed to fly and land autonomously.
David Mayman, the CEO of JPA, told Robb Report:
We could have an ultralight version [which requires no pilot’s license] ready within two years and an experimental category version within six months after that. The ultralight version would be limited to 60 mph (FAA rules) and a flight time of 15 minutes. The experimental version would require a basic pilot’s license to fly. The speed of this version would be approximately 250 mph with a flight time of about 35 minutes.
While the original design had four turbines (as seen in the photos accompanying this article), the final product will have a total of eight, two at each corner of the bike, to provide safety via redundancy. In addition, they will also enhance power, allowing the roughly 300-pound Speeder to carry double its weight (600 pounds). This size-to-payload ratio sets the Speeder apart from other VTOL craft. Finally, the flying motorcycle will include a 12-inch navigation screen, hand controls, and a radio system.
An upgraded Speeder 2.0 version of the prototype is currently undergoing intensive testing before construction ends. Further testing is expected to start in early 2022, with a commercially available version by 2023. Thankfully, JPA keeps the environment in mind and has partnered with Prometheus Fuels, Inc., to use their 100% zero net-carbon fuel.
In the future, JPA will also produce commercial versions for military, first responders, and public safety organizations. These will feature detachable wings for increased range and storage compartments to hold fire retardants, medical workers and equipment, or wounded passengers.
JPA has already begun taking pre-orders for the consumer versions at the introductory price of $380,000 (around €324,000).
Jetpack Aviation’s Speeder isn’t the only jet-powered flying motorcycle prototype. In 2019, French custom auto/moto maker Ludovic Lazareth created La Moto Volante, which can be driven on the road and flown in the air when its wheels fold out and upward to become jet-powered thrust pods.
The Speeder is much more of a single-purpose vehicle without any road capability, meaning it can’t be driven on the road. However, the Speeder most likely flies much better than La Moto Volante. Regardless, Lazareth has a full-size prototype that’s also road-certified in the air, which is extremely impressive!
