Latest news with #hoverbike
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
World's first Star Wars-style hoverbike can hit 125mph and doesn't need propellers for it to fly
The stuff of dreams for sci-fi fans has come true, thanks to Poland-based company Volonaut, which has developed a Star Wars-inspired speeder bike that can zoom at speeds of up to 124mph. Volonaut says its Airbike is the first 'hoverbike' vehicle of its kind that does not use propellers to fly. Videos of the incredible machine in action shows the device as it appears to effortlessly glide through the air. At one point, it hovers remarkably steady as the rider lifts a hand to wave at the camera. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tomasz Patan (@volonaut) Something in the air: Poland-based company Volonaut has developed a Star Wars-inspired speeder Airbike The Airbike has a 'proprietary stabilization system' enhanced by a flight computer to provide automatic hover and ease of control for its rider. Volonaut said: 'The current version of the vehicle is a result of many months of hard work, solved challenges, and multiple failures. 'It took the founder several iterations to get to a working and flightworthy design on which he attempted the first stable flight in May 2023 in Poland.' No timeline for a production model or cost have yet been released. Instagram users praised the design, and one comment said: 'The future is here! Best personal flying aircraft I've seen as far as design and flight.' Another added: 'The generation that grew up on Star Wars was waiting for you, my friend. Please work a little faster. We're getting old but we want to go for a ride.' Jet propulsion, which the vehicle uses, is a technology that drives vehicles forward using spurts of gas. Creators Volonaut says the Airbike's a comfortable device, and the rider will 'become one' with the flying machine. It's also said to be seven times lighter than a typical motorbike, thanks to the use of carbon fiber materials. Commonly used throughout the Star Wars galaxy, speeder bikes are single-driver craft that move at very high speeds, over 300mph. In the classic Star Wars film Return Of The Jedi (1983), heroes Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are chased by Stormtroopers on speeder bikes around the fictional forest moon of Endor. Hover-based transportation heavily features across the Star Wars movies, including The Phantom Menace (1999) and The Force Awakens (2015).
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
World's first Star Wars-style hoverbike can hit 124mph and DOESN'T need propellors to fly
It's the stuff of dreams for sci-fi fans. A company say they have developed a Star Wars-inspired speeder bike that can zoom to 124mph. Poland-based Volonaut says their Airbike is the first 'hoverbike' vehicle of its kind that does not use propellers to fly. Incredible videos show someone sitting on the device as it appears to effortlessly glide through the air. At one point it hovers remarkably steady as the rider lifts a hand to wave at the camera. The firm says: 'This groundbreaking design shares a lot of similarities to 'speeder bikes' featured in popular science-fiction movies.' Fine technical details of the AirBike have not been revealed, with the company reporting the vehicle has 'just come out of stealth mode development' by Polish inventor and Volonaut founder Tomasz Patan. However, describing it as a 'superbike for the skies', Volonaut say the AirBike is powered by jet propulsion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tomasz Patan (@volonaut) Incredible videos show someone sitting on the device as it appears to effortlessly glide through the air It has a 'proprietary stabilisation system' enhanced by a flight computer to provide automatic hover and ease of control for its rider. They added: 'The current version of the vehicle is a result of many months of hard work, solved challenges and multiple failures. 'It took the founder several iterations to get to a working and flightworthy design on which he attempted the first stable flight in May 2023 in Poland.' No timeline for a production model or cost have been released yet. Instagram users praised the design, with one writing: 'The future is here! Best personal flying aircraft I've seen as far as design and flight.' Another said: 'The generation that grew up on Star Wars was waiting for you, my friend. 'Please work a little faster. We're getting old but we want to go for a ride.' Jet propulsion - which this aircraft uses - is a technology that drives vehicles forward using jets of gas. The company say it's such a comfortable device, the rider will 'become one' with the flying machine. They add it is seven times lighter than a typical motorbike thanks to the use of carbon fibre materials. Commonly used throughout the Star Wars galaxy, speeder bikes are single-driver craft that move at very high speeds over 300 miles per hour. The gravity-defying bikes use a fictional technology called 'repulsorlift' that push against a planet's gravity, allowing them to travel while dozens of feet off the ground. They rely on thruster engines to provide forward thrust – but require great skill and fast reflexes, especially in a heavily-forested environment. In the classic Star Wars film 'Return of the Jedi' (1983), heroes Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are chased by stormtroopers around the fictional forest moon of Endor on speeder bikes. Hover-based transportation heavily features across the Star Wars films, including 'The Phantom Menace' (1999) and 'The Force Awakens' (2015). 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.
Geeky Gadgets
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
124mph Volonaut Airbike : The Future of Personal Flying Machines
The Volonaut Airbike, a lightweight flying superbike developed by Tomasz Patan, debuts as a personal hoverbike designed for single-person use. Built with advanced carbon fiber materials and 3D-printed components, it is seven times lighter than a conventional superbike. The Airbike features a minimal, open-air design with no frame or visible propellers, allowing for a 360-degree view and compact maneuverability in narrow spaces. Equipped with jet propulsion and a proprietary stabilization system, it can hover automatically and reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph). The Airbike's design includes rear red tail lights for signaling and sculpted stands for soft landings. Its availability for public use remains unannounced. At the core of the Airbike's design is its emphasis on lightweight construction. By using carbon fiber and 3D-printed components, the vehicle achieves a weight that is seven times lighter than a traditional superbike. Carbon fiber, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, ensures durability while minimizing overall mass. This material choice enhances the Airbike's performance, allowing for greater agility and efficiency during flight. The integration of 3D printing further improves the design process. This technology enables the precise manufacturing of intricate components, reduces material waste, and accelerates prototyping cycles. Together, these advancements result in a vehicle that is not only lightweight but also highly adaptable to the demands of urban environments. The Airbike's agility makes it particularly well-suited for navigating tight spaces and confined areas, a critical feature for modern cities facing increasing congestion. Jet Propulsion and Stabilization: Precision in Motion The Airbike's propulsion system is powered by jet engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (124 mph). This jet-based approach sets it apart from rotor-driven hoverbikes, offering a smoother and more controlled flight experience. Central to its operation is a proprietary stabilization system managed by an advanced flight computer. This stabilization system ensures precise control, automatic hovering, and smooth maneuverability, even for users with minimal flight experience. By combining high-speed propulsion with advanced stabilization, the Airbike delivers a balance of performance, safety, and reliability. These features allow it to operate effectively in diverse conditions, making it a versatile option for personal air mobility. Watch this video on YouTube. Open-Air Design: Visibility and Maneuverability The Airbike's open-air design is a defining feature that enhances both functionality and user experience. By eliminating the need for a traditional frame or visible propellers, the vehicle provides a 360-degree unobstructed view. This design improves situational awareness, a critical factor for safe and confident flight in urban environments. The compact structure of the Airbike further enhances its maneuverability, allowing it to navigate narrow spaces and confined areas with ease. This capability makes it particularly advantageous for urban settings, where space is often limited. The minimalist aesthetic of the Airbike aligns with futuristic design principles while emphasizing practicality and efficiency as a next-generation transportation solution. Safety and Performance Features Safety is a key consideration in the Airbike's design. Several features have been incorporated to ensure a secure and reliable flying experience: Rear red tail lights enhance visibility in low-light conditions or crowded airspaces, improving safety during operation. enhance visibility in low-light conditions or crowded airspaces, improving safety during operation. Sculpted landing stands provide stable and soft landings, reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle or surrounding surfaces. provide stable and soft landings, reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle or surrounding surfaces. Advanced flight controls simplify operation, making the Airbike accessible to a wide range of users, including those with limited experience in aerial vehicles. These features, combined with the Airbike's high-speed capabilities, position it as a practical and innovative tool for personal aerial mobility. The focus on safety and performance underscores its potential as a reliable transportation option in various scenarios. Addressing Urban Mobility Challenges As urban areas face growing congestion and infrastructure limitations, the demand for efficient and compact transportation solutions continues to rise. The Volonaut Airbike addresses these challenges by offering a lightweight, high-speed alternative to traditional ground-based vehicles. Its ability to hover and navigate confined spaces makes it particularly well-suited for densely populated cities. By reducing reliance on conventional transportation methods, the Airbike has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and improve overall mobility. Furthermore, its advanced technologies demonstrate how innovation can reshape the way people move through crowded environments, offering a glimpse into the future of urban transportation. Future Prospects and Potential Applications Although the Volonaut Airbike has garnered significant attention for its innovative design, it is not yet available for public use. Officially unveiled on May 1, 2025, following a period of stealth development, the vehicle has yet to enter the commercial market. Despite its current unavailability, the Airbike's potential applications extend beyond personal transportation. Possible uses include: Emergency response : Rapid deployment in disaster zones or medical emergencies where traditional vehicles may face delays. : Rapid deployment in disaster zones or medical emergencies where traditional vehicles may face delays. Surveillance and security : Enhanced monitoring capabilities for law enforcement or private security operations. : Enhanced monitoring capabilities for law enforcement or private security operations. Recreational activities: Offering a unique and thrilling experience for enthusiasts of aerial sports and adventure. As the technology matures, the Airbike could pave the way for a new era of aerial mobility, influencing industries and individuals alike. Its versatility highlights the broader potential of personal air vehicles in addressing diverse challenges and opportunities. A Milestone in Hoverbike Technology The Volonaut Airbike stands as a testament to the possibilities of innovation in personal air mobility. By combining lightweight materials, advanced propulsion systems, and user-focused design, it offers a compelling vision of the future. While its commercial release remains uncertain, the Airbike's debut marks a significant achievement in the field of hoverbike technology. It provides a glimpse into a future where air travel is no longer limited to large-scale aircraft but becomes accessible to individuals navigating urban skies. As advancements in aerial mobility continue, the Volonaut Airbike may serve as a foundational model for the next generation of personal transportation solutions. Expand your understanding of robotics from our extensive library of articles. Filed Under: Design News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
