You may have heard of electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL). Well, we've got some exciting news from Jetson, a Swedish startup that's making waves in the air racing scene. Australia's Airspeeder is working on a manned eVTOL race, but Jetson founder and CTO Tomasz Patan recently made headlines with a demonstration that many are calling the start of the world's first eVTOL air race. Collected.
We're giving away the latest and greatest Airpods Pro 2
Sign up to enter our giveaway free newsletter.
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
air speeder ambition
Airspeeder has been gaining momentum since 2017 as it aims to establish world championship racing with its impressive eVTOL aircraft. But their current races use remotely controlled vehicles, with pilots safely on the ground. Mr. Jetson demonstrated manned flight around a racing pylon with just one airplane.
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
EVTOL prototype promises 150 mph intercity hops
Jetson One: Game Changer
The star of the show is Jetson One, a personal eVTOL designed for agility and performance. In a recent video, Pathan showcases the aircraft's agile capabilities by flying around a 7-metre-high pylon. While this demonstration does not constitute a full race, it does provide an interesting preview of what eVTOL racing will be like. Key features of Jetson One include:
- size: 8.86 x 5.25 x 3.67 feet
- Maximum speed: Software limited to 100km/h
- Flight time: 20 minutes per charge
- power supply: High discharge lithium ion battery
- control: joystick operation
- Maximum altitude: Over 1,500 feet (approximately 460 m)
- Pilot requirements: No license required in the US
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
This flying electric car breaks a record with a 523-mile non-stop flight
Market reaction and future plans
The market response to Jetson One has been remarkable. The company has already confirmed sales of more than 470 units and is currently accepting orders for 2026. To get in line, you'll need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $8,000, with a list price of $128,000.
Jetson claims its eVTOL is user-friendly, saying pilots can master the aircraft in less than 60 minutes of flight practice and eight simulator sessions. This accessibility could be a game changer in the personal aviation market.
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Innovative flying car promises highway speed and 3-hour flight
Safety and regulatory considerations
While the potential for personal eVTOLs and air racing is thrilling, it also raises important safety and regulatory questions. Jetson implements several safety features, including:
- Race car-inspired safety cell design
- Ability to fly safely with the loss of one motor
- Hands-free hovering function and emergency function
- Ballistic parachute capable of rapid deployment
On the regulatory front, Jetson has made progress, securing two flight permits for personal eVTOL travel in uncontrolled airspace in Italy in fall 2023. However, comprehensive racing regulations have not yet been defined.
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Competitors: Airspeeder and beyond
While the Jetson made headlines with this demonstration, it's worth noting that the Airspeeder isn't far behind. They have already assembled a team and are holding aerial photography events, albeit using remote-controlled eVTOLs. Their aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 194 miles per hour and a power-to-weight ratio comparable to a Formula 1 car.
Jetson eVTOL Air Race Demonstration (Jetson) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Cart important points
The Jetson demonstration marks an important milestone in the evolution of personal aviation and air racing. Although this is not a full-fledged race yet, it is a concrete step towards a future where eVTOL racing becomes a reality. Looking to the skies, it is clear that the race for eVTOL supremacy is just beginning.
After reading about the Jetson and Airspeeder, let us know what you think about eVTOL racing and the future of personal aviation. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know your story you'd like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
New from cart:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
