FYI: While flying cars capture imaginations, flying motorcycles like the Volonaut Airbike may become reality sooner.
The Future of Flight: Why Flying Motorcycles May Beat Cars to the Sky
Everyone dreams of a flying car, but its hefty design and safety concerns make it improbable. However, a lighter alternative—flying motorcycles—seems more feasible. Unlike the cumbersome nature of cars, motorcycles are inherently lighter and closer to achieving flight.
The Rise of the Volonaut Airbike
The Volonaut Airbike is a promising example. It’s marketed as a fully functional, jet-powered flying motorcycle, capable of reaching speeds over 120 mph. While its viability remains to be independently verified, it raises an important point: it’s easier to get a motorcycle airborne than a car.
Lightweight Construction and Design
Flying bikes, like the Volonaut, utilize advanced materials such as 3D printed components and carbon fiber to reduce weight significantly. These bikes are reported to be "seven times lighter than typical motorcycles." However, actual weight specs need validation. For comparison, a standard motorcycle like the Yamaha MT-07 weighs about 403 pounds, far less than the 3,135 pounds of an average sedan like the Chevrolet Malibu. Clearly, motorcycles are much less cumbersome to lift.
Skills That Translate to Flight
Motorcyclists are accustomed to leaning into turns, a skill that aligns well with aircraft maneuvers. Unlike the complexities of driving a flying car, transitioning to flying motorcycles involves adapting existing skills. This offers a more practical path to airborne travel.
Conclusion
While flying cars remain a distant fantasy, flying motorcycles like the Volonaut Airbike present a more tangible future of personal aerial transport. Reduced weight, existing skill set compatibility, and engineering innovations all contribute to their potential success in the sky.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
