In the family of vertical take-off (VTOL) aircraft, I call the AirScooter. It was at the Viva Technology show, which opened its doors this Wednesday, June 14, 2023, that Franky Zapata unveiled this particularly ambitious new single-seater flying machine.
With this aircraft, Zapata indeed promises an incredible experience. In the United States, due to its ultralight status, it will not need to have a pilot’s license to benefit from it, most of the controls being computer-assisted to optimize safety. However, a little training will be necessary before taking control.
A top speed of 100 km/h
For the moment, Franky Zapata is therefore targeting the market across the Atlantic and intends to offer the first information and recreational flights in the state of Arizona as of 2024, where its first Flight Center will soon be inaugurated. The objective is also to eventually decongest the big cities. With the AirScooter, for example, you can reach Santa Monica from Long Beach in just 10 minutes, compared to 2 hours by road.
The cruising speed of the AirScooter should be 80 km/h, with a possibility of reaching 100 km/h in peak. Its load will be limited to 120 kg, but it will be able to fly for a little over 2 hours. This feat is due to its hybrid propulsion system, which combines combustion and electric motors. It offers record autonomy for this type of device, where the all-electric has difficulty exceeding 20 or 30 minutes of flight. Note that this system allows it to gain in weight and, therefore, in performance. In the end, its emissions would be comparable to those of a passenger car.
It now remains to obtain overflight authorizations from local authorities, in the United States but also all over the world, which will not be the least of Franky Zapata’s challenges.
The general public will be able to approach it in preview on Saturday June 17, the only day not devoted to professionals only.