Lakshmi SandhanaMay 19, 2014Aero-X hoverbike set to take off in 2017

Aerofex says its Aero-X hoverbike will be available to buy in 2017 (Photo: Aerofex)

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That most long-awaited form of transport may finally be arriving with California-based Aerofex announcing that it'll be launching its Aero-X hoverbike in 2017 at an estimated price of US$85,000 (+CPI). The company is already accepting refundable deposits of $5,000 on its website, with first flights scheduled for 2016. The Aero-X is designed to carry two people up to a height of 3 m (10 ft) above the ground and reach speeds of up to 72 km/h (42 mph).

Aerofex has been testing its hoverbike for some time now, attempting to resolve various control and stability challenges. With carbon fiber rotors taking the place of wheels, the Aero-X will be able to take-off and land vertically without the need for a runway or forward speed, according to the company.

It's also reported to be as easy to ride as a motorcycle, as pilots will be able to use the handlebar grips, situated at knee level, to control the hoverbike in a similar fashion. They'll only need about a weekend of training to be able to fly it easily, the company claims.

With a pre-fuel weight of about 356 kg (785 lb), the hoverbike can carry loads of up to 140 kg (310 lb) over any any type of surface, state company officials. It's also expected to run for about 75 minutes on a full tank of fuel. While it's primarily being designed to be a low-altitude sport and utility vehicle, its developers say it can be adapted for any number of uses.

"The Aero-X will have a positive impact on agriculture, herd management, and geo-surveying – particularly in those parts of the world lacking general aviation," states Mark De Roche, the company's CTO and founder. "Its intuitive operation, low cost, and unique capabilities make it suitable for disaster relief, search and rescue, and patrolling borders and game parks. We believe it will enable low-altitude utility previously unavailable due to cost and training barriers."

The design features an intuitive pilot interface, two-position control bars and a four-wheel gear. The Aero-X hoverbike is around 4.5 m (14.8 ft) in length and 2.1 m (6.8 ft) in width. Some of the additional features being considered for the Aero-X include whole vehicle airbags, flotation pontoons for water operations and Department of Transport-approved transport trailers.

Source Aerofex Via IEEE

Aero-X飛行摩托有望于2017年量產上市 aero-x hoverbike設置起飛2017

aerofex說Aero-X hoverbike將可買2017（攝影：aerofex）

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運輸最期待已久的形式可能最終會到達加利福尼亞的aerofex宣布它將推出Aero-X hoverbike 2017折價85000美元（+ CPI）。本公司已接受退還存款5000美元的網站上，與第一航班預定2016。Aero-X的設計是兩人抬高達3米的高度（10英尺）以上的地面和高達72公里/小時（42英里每小時）的速度。

aerofex已經有一段時間了現在hoverbike測試，試圖解決各種控制穩定的挑戰。碳纖維轉子以車輪的地方，Aero-X能夠垂直起降不需要跑道或前進速度，據該公司。

也報道要容易的騎摩托車，飛行員將能夠使用車把，位于膝關節水平，控制在一個類似的時尚hoverbike。他們只需要一個周末的訓練能飛很容易，該公司索賠。

與預燃料重量約356公斤（785磅），該hoverbike攜帶載荷為140公斤（310磅）在任何類型的表面，國有企業官員。它還可以運行約75分鐘，在一個完整的燃料罐。雖然它是被設計成一個低海拔的運動車，其開發商說，它可以適用于任何用途。

“Aero-X將會對農業、畜群管理產生積極的影響，和地球尤其是世界缺乏通用航空的部分測量–，“美國馬克de羅氏公司的首席技術官和創始人。”其直觀的操作，低成本，和獨特的能力，使它適合于救災，搜索和救援，以及巡邏邊界和游戲公園。我們相信，它將使低空效用以前無法由于成本和培訓的障礙。”

設計具有一個直觀的駕駛界面，雙位控制桿和四輪齒輪。Aero-X hoverbike大約是4.5米（14.8英尺）長，2.1米（6.8英尺）寬。一些額外的功能被認為是Aero-X的包括全車安全氣囊、水作業和交通部批準的運輸拖車浮選浮。