Described as being the result of years of research and development, the Hoverbike from British designer Chris Malloy aims to "combine the simplicity of a motorbike and the freedom of a helicopter to create the world's first flying motorcycle."
Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, the Star Wars-like method of transportation is shockingly cheaper than actual new motorbikes -- coming in at just under $1,000. When flown, the Hoverbike flies much like a quadcopter (or what some people commonly refer to as 'drones') and can be flown manned or unmanned. When flown unmanned, the Hoverbike can essentially act as a flying wheelbarrow, whereas when being flown by a human it takes on its own new category of thrill-seeking.
The design was originally intended to be a bicopter (rather than a quadcopter). However, Malloy stated that the technology is not yet available for them to pull off a cost-effective option:
"Our first Hoverbike prototype is a bi-copter. The vehicle is controlled by deflecting thrust from its two propellers using control vanes -- these are a bit like rudders or ailerons on a plane. After extensive testing involving the manned vehicle and scale models, we moved to a proven quadcopter design, because with current technology we could not design a bi-copter cheap enough for safe and competitive sales. The bi-copter is an elegant solution and vehicle. However, the available technology is not ready yet for a practical vehicle of this bi-copter design."
The team has also been cranking out one-third scale prototypes to test its design and after realizing how much fun the prototypes were, members have also decided to start selling the one-third scale Hoverbikes as well:
"This drone was originally built as a proof of concept for our latest full-sized Hoverbike prototype. After testing the 1/3rd Hoverbike, we realized that it had lots of features that made it a fantastic drone. Not only this -- selling this scale Hoverbike to the public would allow us to raise funds to continue the development of the manned version.
"Apart from its stunning and original looks, our drone is safe and versatile, and when coupled with a 3DR Pixhawk flight controller it can fly by itself on a pre-determined flight path, return to home, loiter, follow and more!"
Currently, under the final construction stages of the latest manned prototype, Malloy and the group of pals working on the project with him will be submitting the craft to aviation certification authorities. If it passes, then the Hoverbike could change how humans get from point A to point B with a low-cost (and fun!) new way of travelling.
No word yet on if the kits will include an Anakin Skywalker costume.
