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飞行摩托有望于2017年量产上市

aero-x hoverbike设置起飞2017

aerofex说Aero-X hoverbike将可买2017（摄影：aerofex）

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，运输最期待已久的形式可能最终会到达加利福尼亚的aerofex宣布它将推出Aero-X hoverbike 2017折价85000美元（+ CPI）。本公司已接受退还存款5000美元的网站上，与第一航班预定2016。Aero-X的设计是两人抬高达3米的高度（10英尺）以上的地面和高达72公里/小时（42英里每小时）的速度。

aerofex已经有一段时间了现在hoverbike测试，试图解决各种控制稳定的挑战。碳纤维转子以车轮的地方，Aero-X能够垂直起降不需要跑道或前进速度，据该公司。

也报道要容易的骑摩托车，飞行员将能够使用车把，位于膝关节水平，控制在一个类似的时尚hoverbike。他们只需要一个周末的训练能飞很容易，该公司索赔。

与预燃料重量约356公斤（785磅），该hoverbike携带载荷为140公斤（310磅）在任何类型的表面，国有企业官员。它还可以运行约75分钟，在一个完整的燃料罐。虽然它是被设计成一个低海拔的运动车，其开发商说，它可以适用于任何用途。

“Aero-X将会对农业、畜群管理产生积极的影响，和地球尤其是世界缺乏通用航空的部分测量–，“美国马克de罗氏公司的首席技术官和创始人。”其直观的操作，低成本，和独特的能力，使它适合于救灾，搜索和救援，以及巡逻边界和游戏公园。我们相信，它将使低空效用以前无法由于成本和培训的障碍。”

设计具有一个直观的驾驶界面，双位控制杆和四轮齿轮。Aero-X hoverbike大约是4.5米（14.8英尺）长，2.1米（6.8英尺）宽。一些额外的功能被认为是Aero-X的包括全车安全气囊、水作业和交通部批准的运输拖车浮选浮。