Flying motorbikes are no longer a dream. In Japan, the sophisticated vehicle has just airborne that is capable of speeding up to 100 kilometers per hour in the air. While the flight time can be up to 40 minutes.
This flying motorcycle is called Xturismo, which is made by drone startup ALI Technologies. The test took place on an empty circuit near Mount Fuji. The driver seems to be able to run it well.
The Xturismo flying motorbike is planned to be sold starting early next year at a price of around USD 682 thousand. For the initial stage, a limited number of 200 units will be produced.
In addition to recreation or transportation, this kind of flying motorbike may also be used for rescue missions, for example in rivers or the sea. When tested, witnessed by a number of residents, the motorcycle flew in circles for a minute and a half.
"We want to show a new lifestyle with this floating vehicle," said CEO of Ali Technologies, Daisuke Katano.
The Xturismo is powered by an internal combustion engine and takes to the air with the help of two main propellers. There are four additional propellers to maintain balance. However, there is a drawback, namely the noise generated so that it seems the driver needs to wear ear protection.
When not being driven, the Xturismo lands and stays in place with its two runways, much like the one on a helicopter.
This flying motorcycle is not the only one currently in development. In last July, the California-based company JetPack Aviation successfully tested the Speeder flying motorbike, which can now be ordered for USD 380 thousand. It will be marketed in 2023.