6 days ago
Futuristic Star Wars-style hoverbike is real and NOT AI, inventor confirms - but it costs £649,000
A viral video of a Star Wars–style hoverbike zipping across the landscape divided opinions earlier this year, with many suggesting computer trickery had been used.
Now, Polish company Volonaut has confirmed that the futuristic vehicle was not generated by AI, and is very much real.
In fact, the vehicle, called the Airbike, will go into production in limited numbers next week.
However, if you want to get your hands on one, you'll need to start saving.
The Airbike will retail at the eye–watering launch price of £649,000 ($880,000).
To prove its authenticity, Volonaut also revealed new flight footage with original audio.
The video shows the small, one–person vehicle – said to be able to fly at 124mph – apparently flying over a test ground, thanks to a loud method of propulsion.
Polish inventor and Volonaut founder Tomasz Patan said: 'This kind of extra footage was requested and highly anticipated.
'Although the original release went viral, it also managed to divide opinions and stir the internet.
'Many claimed this hoverbike is not real and that the footage has been produced with use of AI or CGI.
'It is not hard to imagine why–the futuristic vehicle seems to not obey the laws of physics with no visible means of generating lift or maintaining unprecedented stability with its rider on top of it.
'Volonaut is confirming the authenticity of all officially released video materials saying that a real, fully functional and flying prototype vehicle has been piloted by the inventor with zero use of special effects, AI or computer generated imagery.'
In May, Volonaut stated that the AirBike is powered by jet propulsion, with a proprietary stabilisation system enhanced by a flight computer to provide automatic hover capability and ease of control for its rider.
Tomasz Patan adds: 'It was always my dream to create a personal flying machine so futuristic and iconic that it could be placed on a science fiction movie set.
'The challenge was to come up with real–world reliable core technology that can be shrunk down and wrapped with a functional and bold design.
'The result is a first of its kind vehicle with incredible performance, stunning looks that actually resembles a sports motorbike, and it is flying.'
To prove its authenticity, Volonaut also revealed new flight footage with original audio. The video shows the small, one–person vehicle – said to be able to fly at 124mph – apparently flying over a test ground, thanks to a loud method of propulsion
Commonly used throughout the Star Wars galaxy, speeder bikes (pictured) are single-driver craft that move at very high speeds over 300 miles per hour
Volonaut says they will manufacture a commercial hoverbike version with a top speed of 63mph, to meet the 'ultralight' classification requirements. This would allow people to ride it in the air outside densely populated areas without needing a pilot's licence.
The company adds: 'Specially developed training led by professionals will ensure that owners learn to safely and responsibly operate their speeders.'
Volonaut says it has begun work on a pre–production version and aims to share first flight footage in 2026.
Pre–order reservations will open on 1 August.
THE STAR WARS LANDSPEEDER
According to Wookiepedia, in the Star Wars world, the X-34 was an open-air/sealed cockpit civilian landspeeder manufactured by SoroSuub Corporation.
One famous owner was Luke Skywalker.
It featured holographic displays, a computer for ground navigation, and a number of repulsor counterbalances for smooth and steady travel over rough terrain.
Its maximum altitude was 1 meter (100 cm), but its usual cruising altitude was roughly 10 cm above ground level.
It was powered by three turbine engines to propel the vehicle forward, and a 'repulsorfield generator' housing was located behind the cockpit.
Its power circuit was located in front of the cockpit.
The open-air landspeeder could be piloted through the use of a steering wheel and foot pedals, and featured a retractable duraplex windscreen.
