Electric Airscooter with hybrid electric-gas propulsion successfully concludes a two-hour test flight.
In a groundbreaking development, the Airscooter, a personal VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, has successfully completed its first manned flight on June 7, 2025. The flight was piloted by Franky Zapata, the founder of Zapata, marking a significant milestone in the journey of this innovative vehicle.
The Airscooter, designed as a single-seater vehicle, is compact in size, measuring approximately 11 feet in length, width, and height, making it ideal for solo travelers or short-distance commutes. The aircraft's design includes a hybrid-electric propulsion system, combining electric motors with a gasoline engine, allowing it to fly for up to two hours, longer than most fully electric VTOLs.
The Airscooter's VTOL design uses a hybrid system of electric motors and a gasoline engine for up to two hours of flight. This fly-by-wire control system supports safe and easy flying, ensuring a smooth and stable journey for its pilot. The Airscooter can take off and land vertically, requiring no runway or large open space, adding to its convenience and versatility.
Since its introduction in June 2023, the Airscooter team has been conducting extensive testing, including load testing, to gather critical flight data and address any technical issues. With the successful completion of the first manned flight, the team is now working towards a commercial launch, with plans to reach the U.S. market potentially next year, following the recent successful test flights[1][2][3].
While the commercial launch date for the Airscooter has not yet been announced, the potential for this innovative vehicle is undeniable. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of energy transition and sustainable transportation, the Airscooter's geothermal experiments are being used as templates for future developments[4].
Meanwhile, in other news, Gold has survived at 19,000 kelvins without melting in a record-breaking extreme physics test[5]. Scientists have found a bioplastic that disappears 80% even in extreme deep-sea conditions[6]. Russia has spun up a record-smashing nuclear centrifuge to increase uranium processing[7], and Canada's 300 MW nuclear reactor is receiving a turbine and generator to power 300,000 homes[8].
In the realm of technology, Trump has unveiled an AI Action Plan that includes deregulation, data center construction, and measures to counter China[9]. China's cyborg battle suit allows soldiers to toss drones, see through walls, and run on robots[10]. NYU scientists have solved a 100-year-old mystery about dolphin-style vortex rings[11]. A new Wi-Fi fingerprint technology tracks bodies without the need for a device, phone, or camera[12].
Finally, a floss-based vaccine has been developed that delivers flu antibodies to bone marrow, saliva, and more[13]. KAUST has developed a tool that predicts the optimal solvent for enhancing organic thermoelectric power[14]. The world's fastest kamikaze drone, with racing car aerodynamics, has reached a speed of 280 mph[15].
As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the Airscooter serves as a shining example of innovation and progress in the field of transportation. With its successful first manned flight, it is a step closer to revolutionizing personal travel and contributing to a more sustainable future.
[1] https://www.cnet.com/tech/transportation/franky-zapata-airscooter-completes-first-manned-flight-video/ [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/26/franky-zapata-airscooter-completes-first-manned-flight.html [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57381327 [4] https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-geothermal-experiments-being-used-templates-energy-transition-2021-09-13/ [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58909419 [6] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210831132204.htm [7] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58822178 [8] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/canadas-300-mw-nuclear-reactor-gets-turbine-generator-power-300k-homes-2021-08-24/ [9] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/president-donald-j-trump-announces-national-artificial-intelligence-strategy/ [10] https://www.scmp.com/tech/innovation/article/3143945/chinas-cyborg-soldier-suit-allows-soldiers-toss-drones-see-through [11] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/27/science/dolphin-vortex-ring-mystery-solved.html [12] https://www.techradar.com/news/new-wi-fi-fingerprint-technology-can-track-bodies-without-a-device [13] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210729141005.htm [14] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210823110220.htm [15] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210818181243.htm
The Airscooter's innovative design combines hybrid-electric propulsion with a gasoline engine, potentially attracting interest from the finance sector as it aims for commercial launch. The aerospace industry might also find this VTOL aircraft significant, considering its potential role in transportation innovation and energy transition. As technology advances, the Airscooter could contribute to the broader goal of sustainable transportation, receiving support from various sectors such as finance, aerospace, and technology.
