Now for something completely different: German VTOL Volocopter Takes First Manned Flight

The forum is largely aimed at military aircraft projects but this is still an aircraft project.

Personal flight has long been a goal of many people. Whether its jet packs or flying cars or other attempts, we haven't quite given up on everyone being able to do a jetsons and fly away. New Zealanders have their 'fan pack' (they call it a jet pack, but its not a pack or a jet...) in development.

The Germans have the Volocopter. And its just had its first manned flight.

www.gizmag.com...

a reply to: anzha

Looks rather cool.



Think if you were to stick some lights around the circular air frame and fly the thing at night you would be guaranteed at least a few UFO reported sightings.

The giant circle of rotating death looks formidable, and too unwieldy in this form for landing takeoff, taxi manouvers in tight air and land space...just my HO.....

Interesting design. Basically the same as those commercial drones.

I would have protective metal bar casing around the propellers like some drones have. Much safer

a reply to: Lucidparadox

Adds to the weight through and since the "Volocopter" is still in the prototype stage unnecessary just yet.

Here's the video, big difference from a helicopter...you no shaky!

Electric motors,no driveshafts or weighty gearboxes to go bang..

Dubai has edged closer to its goal of launching a pioneering hover-taxi service, with the authorities announcing a successful "concept" flight was made on Monday without passengers.

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Authorities anticipate five years of testing to put in place safety procedures and legislation governing the cutting-edge mode of transportation.

phys.org, Sept. 25, 2017 - Driverless hover-taxi makes first 'concept' flight in Dubai.

Yeah,... no. I'm not getting into a plastic drone running on batteries! Even with extra battery packs and parachutes! They trap you inside and demand money! Or land you below ground and work you over with lead pipes!

The idea might be cool but the current level of tech is not there (imo).

Vid:

Autonomous Air Taxi in Dubai

They'd get a lot more bang for buck (not to mention weight) going with a turbine generator compared to batteries at the moment. Odd choice.