If anyone told us there would be flying bikes by 2019, we would be laughing it off as a joke but turns out Jetpack Aviation is here to make it all come true. The firm has just announced that it will be taking pre-orders now for its jet-turbine powered flying motorcycle.
The bike is capable of running speeds at 150 mph with 20-minute endurance and 15,000 ft altitudes. The Speeder builds on JPA’s jet turbine expertise that was developed over the years on the firm’s JB-series jetpacks. It features a cluster of four turbojet engines that churns out a maximum thrust of 705 lbf which is able to lift the 231-lb (105kg) airframe and a pilot up to 240 lb (109kg).
It also has a fly-by-wire control system that allows the Speeder to stabilise itself in the air. The bike runs on kerosene, JetA or diesel and riders are able to stay on-air for about 22 minutes.
The bike comes with a 12-inch touch screen for navigation and a built-in two-way aviation radio system for air-to-air and air-to-ground communications. The experimental category version requires a full pilot’s license, but according to sources, JPA is in contact with the FAA, trying to have that reduced to a Recreational Pilot Certificate or Sports Pilot’s License to make life easier.
The company plans to build just 20 of the Speeder. After that, all production will be dedicated to military and government use.
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