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Posts with tag flying machine

Vertipod aims to be "Segway of the sky"

by Donald Melanson, posted Nov 30th 2007 at 2:54PM


This one's been making the rounds lately, but we'd be remiss if we didn't take a moment to acknowledge any invention that boasts to be the "Segway of the sky," which is just what upstart Air Buoyant claims its so-called "Vertipod" could one day be. According to Danger Room, this flying machine employs a gasoline or ethanol powered 440-cubic-centimeter engine to propel one brave along individual at speeds up to 40 miles per hour while hovering 15 feet off the ground, with a propeller, naturally, spinning perilously close to your feet. What's more, Air Buoyant's Pete Bitar says the contraption could even have consumer appeal, with a $10,000 kit planned that "can be assembled in a weekend."

[Via Tech Digest]

OpenSky 2.0 anime-inspired flying machine

by Donald Melanson, posted Dec 15th 2006 at 2:10PM

While the pic above may slightly exaggerate the OpenSky 2.0 project's currently flying capabilities, the craft itself appears to be quite legit, with a complete but earthbound model of the contraption now on display at an NTT ICC exhibition in Japan. Those able to check out the exhibit will apparently still be able to get a taste of the craft's potential flying abilities, however, with a full-fledged flight simulator set up to let you take it for a spin (check it out after the break) -- which, given the seeming likelihood of a catastrophic crash, is probably the only way we'd fly it. Hayao Miyazaki fans will no doubt be quick to spot the inspiration for the craft's design, although we don't remember the ones in Nausicaa being pulled by ropes.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading OpenSky 2.0 anime-inspired flying machine

The Skyacht "practical" personal blimp

by Donald Melanson, posted Aug 7th 2006 at 4:05PM

While we're still waiting for our jet pack and saving up for our Moller Skycar, it looks like we may soon have another flying machine at our disposal once the Skyacht personal blimp hits the market. The blimp's been in development since 2002 (including some makeshift wind tunnel testing) but just recently underwent its first tethered test flights and is set to make its first untethered flight later this month. Unlike traditional blimps, the Skyacht simply uses hot air instead of helium, and employs a "virtually silent" motor for propulsion. The use of hot air makes the Skyacht cheaper to operate than other blimps but, as you can see, also requires a much bigger balloon. Rest assured though, it is the world's first "practical" personal blimp.

[Via MAKE: Blog]
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