Something that’s not viable for us is the new practical vision for the crazy manufacturers. Roadable airplanes, better - the flying cars, have taken to the skies, and we’ve also seen the PAM Individual Lifting Vehicle – an easy to pilot Segway achieve a maximum height of 20 feet and a maximum airspeed of about 25mph in the trials. We also know what the jetpacks have achieved over time, so there is no limitation to pick from, if you’re looking to go off road in a little unconventionally ride.
Now then, the latest in the long line of personal flying machines is the AN-1 AeroQuad, delivered by Spain’s Aeris Naviter. An easy to fly platform, like the PAL (ILV), the self stabilizing AN-1 AeroQuad boosts a flying height of 20-30 feet with maximum payload of 200kg and hover there in thick air for up to 5 hours. Effective enough to be operated with minimum training, the AeroQuad comprising of a coaxial rotor configuration, and is a fun vehicle for land, water and the air.
Focusing on the gravitational force for stability, the AeroQuad lets the user stand on its platform holding onto the hand bar controls. Below the flyer’s feet is a pair of powered rotors which curtsey the counter-rotation movement rotate in opposite directions of the applied force, canceling the unbalanced effect and maintaining stability. The hand control bar has a controller to spin the machine around, and mere leaning of the pilot in the direction of the movement allows the AeroQuad to go in that direction.
Designed for a variety of applications the machine could make life easier for firefighters, aerial photographers, rescuers and also come in handy for boarder patrolling – for which the SpotterRF mountable radar could come in real handy. Weighing less than 100kg, the ultra-light and FAR-103 certified coaxial lifting platform folds-up to be small enough to be carried off in a small two-wheel trailer of sorts. Aeris Naviter has had the AeroQuad around for about 6 odd years know, a project since 2003 – but there is no information on price or expected availability still.
