All of us have dreamt of riding one of these hovering vehicles. We have seen them in movies, video games, and always wondered whether it will ever become a reality. Well, the future is actually here. A Russian company, Hoversurf, has announced that its Hoverbike S3 is ready for production and preorders are open. It is priced at a modest $150,000.
What is the Hoverbike S3?
According to the company, the Scorpion-3 Hoverbike’s frame was created using different types of carbon fiber technology. It relies on four heavy-duty propellers to fly and weighs around 253 pounds.
That’s An Impressive Safety List
The Hoverbike Scorpion-3 is offered with a new hybrid lithium-manganese-nickel battery that allows riders to fly up to 40 minutes in “drone mode.” The ergonomics of the pilot’s seat have been improved on the new model to allow better comfort. Coming to the safety features, the list includes auto-stabilizers, auto-takeoff, auto-landing, and an electronic safety system.
Body: monocoque frame made of different types of carbon, the whole frame is made by a single element, which gives the stiffness of the structure by forming spatial stiffeners, and a weight reduction of 2 times compared to the aluminum frame of the previous model.
Ergonomics: hoverbike design allows it to be rolled through a standard doorway while being able to take off and land from an ordinary parking space.
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Weight: |
114 kg (253 pounds) limited by law. |
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Battery: |
hybrid INR battery with a capacity of 12.3 kWh. |
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Flight time: |
up to 40 minutes in the drone mode. Actual flight time with the pilot is 10 to 25 minutes and depends on weight and flight conditions. Quick charging in 2.5 hours without removing the batteries. |
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Cooling: |
passive cooling system, which works due to the difference in air pressure above and below the propellers. |
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Engine: |
30 kW motors each, 3-bladed carbon fiber propellers 120 cm and give a total thrust of 364 kg (802 pounds). |
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Altitude: |
the recommended flight altitude is 5 meters above the ground (16 feet), but the pilot can adjust the height limit. |
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Speed: |
maximum speed is limited to 96 km / h (60 m / Ph or 52 knots) according to the requirements of the laws. |
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Legalization: |
done. The official confirmation was issued by the Federal Aviation Agency of the United States (FAA). |
Final Thoughts
The Hoverbike Scorpion-3 2019 can be reserved by making a $10,000 deposit. It will take two to six months for it to be delivered. And yes, the Hoverbike is a limited edition; although the company did not mention how limited the run would be. Do you think the Hoversurf Hoverbike Scorpion-3 will actually sell well and is a feasible form of personal transportation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.