Get ready for the AirScooter

An inventor mostly known for his work with audio speakers is going to try to popularize the personal flying vehicle.

The AirScooter II, a personal aircraft that can hover or fly at 55 knots, is the latest invention from Elwood "Woody" Norris.

Norris, who has developed high-end stereo speakers and an alarm that signals when a hip replacement might be in trouble, is one of the founders of AirScooter, a Henderson, Nev.-based company specializing in small, light-flying vehicles. Some of its other planned products include an unmanned helicopter-like flying vehicle and a diminutive "ready to fly" model that can be assembled in 15 minutes, the company says.

The AirScooter II, though, is designed for people. It weighs around 300 pounds and doesn't require a pilot's license, according to the company's Web site. The company is seeking regulatory approval but has said it expects to release the product this year.

The AirScooter II has two rotors that function in a similar fashion to helicopter rotors, but the vehicle is easier to fly, advocates say. It sports motorcycle-style handlebars that contain flight controls, but there are no pedals--so people without the use of their legs should be able to operate it, according to the Web site. The company also offers a movie of the device in flight (click here to download the video).

Pricing has not been set, but the company expects it will sell for less than $50,000.

On his Web site, Norris compares the device's design to the first modern helicopter, created by Igor Sikorsky.

"The original Sikorsky rotorcraft helicopter concept was based on a coaxial design much like the AirScooter," Norris wrote on the company's Web site. "What we've done is package the coaxial design in a modern lightweight craft that allows for intuitive control and incredible maneuverability."

Space exploration and aviation have become two of the leading obsessions and status symbols of high-tech billionaires and entrepreneurs. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, for instance, funded both SpaceShipOne and the construction of a new scientific telescope on the California coast.

PayPal founder Elon Musk, meanwhile, founded SpaceX, a private rocketry company.

Ed Iacobucci, an early investor in Citrix Systems, created Jetson Systems, which is meant to help jump-start a market for flying passengers between regional cities in planes that can carry four to six people. Tickets will cost more than seats on a regular airline, but passengers wanting to go from Austin, Texas, to Memphis won't have to route through Chicago.

People Express Founder Donald Burr has put together a similar company called Pogo Jet that aims to start carrying passengers in the relatively near future.

These airlines will rely on new types of aircraft coming from companies like Eclipse, founded by Microsoft alum Vern Raburn. Eclipse counts Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates among its investors.

Saw the video

All things considered, this is really nice to see. However, even if this "took off", I can't imagine many people would know what to do once they're in the air. Could you make practical use of any personal flying machine without regulations? Talk about cutting through an Amazon forest full of red tape.

*Sigh* Still looking for the Jetson car to buy...

Saw the video

All things considered, this is really nice to see. However, even if this "took off", I can't imagine many people would know what to do once they're in the air. Could you make practical use of any personal flying machine without regulations? Talk about cutting through an Amazon forest full of red tape.

*Sigh* Still looking for the Jetson car to buy...

[montgomeryburns]

Message has been deleted.

Ban Monty Burns

I'm getting tired of your irrelevant repetitive posts Monty. Please get some help you obsessive freak. Seriously.

[Lucky Bob]

Get A Life Monty...

Don't you have anything better to do?

[bit-looter]

a better Idea.

I see these very smart people putting a lot of their time into these personal flying machines(segways and all), do they really think the world is ready for another round of pollutions? I'll suggest they put their heads together and try to come up with a great public transportation system, instead of these silly machines.

"...Goood grief............

You and Hillary Clinton need to take your vacations togther.

Are you a No-NUKES kook, too...?!?

.

[bit-looter]

a better Idea.

I see these very smart people putting a lot of their time into these personal flying machines(segways and all), do they really think the world is ready for another round of pollutions? I'll suggest they put their heads together and try to come up with a great public transportation system, instead of these silly machines.

"...Goood grief............

You and Hillary Clinton need to take your vacations togther.

Are you a No-NUKES kook, too...?!?

.

Message has been deleted.

[ssc134]

We are in 2008 now, passing 3 years from 2005. No news about it yet.

[ssc134]

We are in 2008 now, passing 3 years from 2005. What happen to this "AirScooter"? Have they revoked the launch plan of this vehicle.? Or govt. didn't agree for this.

[bringhomethemeat]

This company is about as American as it gets! We are still pushing the envelope. When this thing comes out I am going flying! Naysayers will still be on the ground!

[ZyberDon]

If you can invest flying money on such a FLYING SCOOTER with limited potentials, may I suggest you consider working with me on my MASS FLYING (VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING) CAR and push the envelope of vtol car flight:

ZyberDon
http://sites.google.com/site/jayflyingcar