Monday 4 November 2024
As the world explores the possibility of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to further the concept of personal mobility, a Swedish firm is already testing the limits of such a design.
A video from the eVTOL startup Jetson shows its founder, Tomasz Patan, testing the design, from sharp twists and tight turns to more unconventional aerial manoeuvres.
The company states that Jetson ONE is designed as the most agile and manoeuvrable manned flying vehicle, enhancing the excitement of flying.
The firm claims that its “ultra-lightweight construction, powerful electric propulsion, and minimalistic design” give the pilot freedom to “navigate the skies with unmatched precision and agility”.
Starting at more than $120,000, operating the Jetson ONE is like driving a car, with simplified controls for flying in the sky.
Precision in flight
Multicopter drones made a big impact when they first arrived, largely due to their advanced automated control systems. Unlike manual control, which can’t handle multiple rotor speeds at once, these drones rely on sensor-based flight systems.
This same technology is being applied to eVTOL aircraft, such as the Jetson One, which can be thought of as large drones designed for human passengers.
However, the flight videos we’ve seen so far don’t really offer much excitement beyond the novelty of a new type of personal aircraft. Pilots tend to handle the controls cautiously, which makes the footage less thrilling to watch.
The video showcases Patan’s impressive flying in Jetson ONE, which demonstrates his comfort level. He executes sharp turns while the flight control system maintains remarkable stability at low altitudes.
What’s helpful is that the Jetson ONE eVTOL features an advanced, fully automated flight control system designed to simplify piloting for users. Equipped with multiple sensors, the system manages real-time adjustments, ensuring stable and responsive flight by controlling the speed and balance of all rotors.
According to the firm, its fly-by-wire technology allows for smooth and intuitive handling, making it easy for the pilot to navigate without needing extensive flight experience. This system enhances both safety and manoeuvrability, allowing for precise control during take-off, flight, and landing.
Effortless personal aviation
The Jetson ONE is a lightweight, manned eVTOL aircraft, built with an aluminium and carbon fibre frame. Powered by eight electric brushless motors, each driving a propeller, the aircraft has a total power output of 120kW. Its propulsion system allows for a flight time of approximately 20 minutes and a top speed of 102km/h, which is software-limited.
The Jetson ONE is designed for simplicity in flight, featuring a four-axis joystick control system and an intuitive flight computer, enabling pilots to control altitude and direction with ease.
The aircraft weighs 115 kilograms with batteries included and can accommodate pilots up to 95 kilograms. Safety features include a race-car-inspired safety cell, the ability to maintain flight with the loss of one motor and an auto-land function for emergencies.
The aircraft’s service ceiling is more than 1,500 feet (458m) above ground level. It can be folded for storage, with a folded width of 980mm. Power is supplied by high-discharge lithium-ion batteries, making the Jetson ONE an efficient, electric-powered option for personal flight.
The Jetson One has been designed to meet FAA requirements for an ultralight vehicle, meaning it could be flown without a pilot’s licence in the US. Jetson’s entire production for 2024 and 2025 is already sold out, indicating strong market demand.