It seems we are getting closer every day to the “future” concept from 1990s science fiction movies. This time, a European startup is unveiling its new flying motorcycle.
Volonaut is working on the Airbike, a flying motorcycle that looks like it came straight out of a Star Wars movie.
However, after posting a video showing the innovation in early May, the company was accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce the footage. To clear up internet users’ doubts, Volonaut published a new demonstration video of the Airbike last Wednesday (23rd).
In the new footage, it is possible to see the bike take off and land. Disproving the AI usage accusations, the clip also shows thrust vectoring in action through heat waves as the Airbike lifts off and starts moving forward.
+ Click here to watch the Airbike video
“It has always been my dream to create a personal flying machine so futuristic and iconic that it could be placed in a science fiction movie set,” said Tomasz Patan, founder of Volonaut, to the site New Atlas.
“The challenge was to develop a reliable and real base technology that could be compacted and wrapped in a functional and bold design.”
“The result is an unprecedented vehicle, with incredible performance and an impressive look that truly resembles a sports motorcycle. And it flies!” he added.
The commercial version of the Airbike will have a maximum speed limited to 102 km/h. And, thanks to its “powerful jet engines,” the bike will be able to stay in the air even with partial system failures.
Capable of carrying a pilot weighing up to 95 kg, it can be fueled with kerosene, diesel, or biodiesel. The Airbike will enter limited production soon, and reservations can already be made from August 1st, at a price of US$ 880,000.
Photo and video: Volonaut / YouTube @Volonaut. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
