Motorcycle Technology – Three Types
Flying Motorcycles are currently being developed using three basic designs. Gliderbikes, Hoverbikes and Gyrocopters.
Gliderbikes consist of a motorcycle/hang glider combination.
Hoverbikes are Manned Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) and describe a motorcycle driven by propellers. Hoverbikes can have Counter-rotating propellers (two propellers), Tricopters (three propellers), Quadcopters (four propellers) and Octocopters (eight propellers).
Gyrocopters consist of a motorcycle/gyrocopter combination.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – Drones
When Drone technology was being developed, they were originally known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s). Drones are controlled by software, use Global Position Satellite (GPS) for navigation, and are available in a variety of designs.
The most common use of drones is surveillance and sport. Let’s take a look at some Hoverbike Manned Aerial Vehicle developments.
Manned Aerial Vehicles – Hoverbikes
Counter-rotating propellers (CRP) – Twin Propeller Hoverbikes
Counter-rotating propellers (CRP) technology, describes a Hoverbike with twin engines that drive a propeller each, with each spinning in the opposite direction.
Visit Website: Click Here
Quadcopter – Four Propeller Hoverbikes
Quadcopter (Quadrotor) technology, describes Hoverbikes with four engines driving a propeller each, with two spinning clockwise and two spinning counterclockwise.
Visit Website: Click Here
Where the Inspiration Originated
I believe the popularity of this idea may have accelerated after the Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi.
I remember how much I loved that Speeder Bike chase as they moved at incredibly high speed weaving in and out of the trees.
Here is the Speeder Bike chase in case you have not seen it or need to refresh your memory.
While watching this high speed chase, I find myself trying to dodge the trees with my head, it is very nail biting and full of suspense.
It is not at all surprising the Return of the Jedi have inspired a generation of Speeder Bike enthusiasts. I have included a couple of examples below, however, if you do a search on YouTube you will discover how popular this theme really is.
So much attention to detail you just can’t help but be impressed. I am so glad we have a video to see it running, although very grounded.
I just have to include the following video. This video features different Speeder Bikes with mirrors added to disguise the wheels, it definitely appears the bike is floating. Another job well done.
Jesse and Casey’s Star Wars Halloween video
Following the invention and remote control, it is not surprising to find flying toy Speeder Bikes. I know it will only be a matter of time until a real flying full size Speeder Bike is built.
From Drones & Toys to Hoverbikes
So the obvious next step would be to create larger drones to carry humans. The passion to fly, coupled with a creative mind has inspired back yard inventors to investigate what works and what does not work in the world of Manned Aerial Vehicles.
The following video shows Hoverbike testing of a private inventor. This test was taken just after the conversion of the intake ports, which produced more thrust. Personally I think Heinz Schrötter has forgotten that one propeller must rotate opposite to the other, in order to prevent spinning. Hopefully he has discovered this after uploading the video.
Home Made CRP Hoverbike – Twin Propeller
Colin Furze is the perfect example of “Don’t just talk about it, Do it”.
A modern day Einstein and wacky inventor, Colin took up the challenge to create a twin propeller Hoverbike. Ford funded the project completely and even provided Colin with a van to cart his equipment. Colin used two ParaJet motor/fans to create his twin propeller Hoverbike.
The Paramotors Colin used in his Hoverbike have been designed for Paramotoring. Paramotoring or “Powered Paragliding” (PPG) is the latest in foot-launched ultralight aircraft. Around since the early 80s, Paramotoring has its origins in hang gliding and is an evolution of paragliding. While a standard paraglider is reliant on hills and the use of thermal conditions to self-launch, adding an engine enables take off to be achieved within a few paces from any suitable flat field. You can learn more about Paramotoring: Click Here
In the next video Colin uses water drums to establish how much weight his Paramotors can lift.
Colin now shows us how he designed and fabricated his Hoverbike. He was careful in his design to ensure one fan rotates in the opposite direction to avoid spin. This is one very clever person.
And now the finished product.
I am so glad Colin was thoughtful enough to film the entire build, we can all learn so much from his “Just Do It” creative approach.
Visit YouTube Channel: Click Here
One Man + Workshop + Passion = Flytcycle
Ansel began Flyt Aerospace in 2013 with the sole purpose of building flying machines. The Flytcycle is a very light Quadcopter at only 165 lbs (75 kg) and it’s batteries provide it a range of 10-15 minutes run-time.
Visit Website: Click Here
Kitty Hawk Flyer – Octocopter
The Kitty Hawk Flyer is an electric hoverbike with eight propellers, weighing 220 lbs (100 kg) and can travel 25 mph (40 km/hr) and can reach 15 feet (4.5 m) off the ground. Fitted with pontoons, it has the advantage of landing on the water.
This Hoverbike is so impressive, I am amazed at it’s stability and control. I can see this becoming marketed and for sale to the general public in the near future.
Visit Website: Click Here
Scorpion-3 Electric Powered Quadcopter Hoverbike
Russians are very clever people and have always surprised the world with their technology and inventions. The Scorpion-3 is definitely a flying vehicle that is leading the way in future transport.
Time for Moscow Raceway test.
Purchase Scorpion-3: Click Here
Here are a few more examples:
The Aero-X : Click Here
Flike: Click Here
and Here
Benefits of Hoverbikes
Hoverbikes solve the problem faced when attempting to find a way to fly a motorcycle. Here are some benefits of Hoverbikes
- can fly over water
- do not require a runway to take off or land
- do not require updraft to obtain lift
- can easily be taught to operate
Disadvantages of Hoverbikes
Here are some disadvantages of this style of flying motorcycle
- complex and expensive to build in comparison to Gliderbikes
- require re-charging if electric or refueling if combustion
We have seen some magnificent creations and can confidently say we are one step closer to realizing personal flying vehicles should be common very soon.
If you are creating a Hoverbike of your own, share your successes and failed attempts below, then visit Gyrocopters – Helicopter Style Flying Motorcycles to see the latest projects and developments in Gyrocopter motorcycles.
Some of these creations could cause injury, so please if you plan on building your own, be careful and make sure you have suitable guards over the fans. I need you in one piece so you can read through the other articles on Haul N Ride, and discover how clever humans can be.
Check out my other website, click the link below 🙂
Haul N Ride website was created to explore Innovation and Human Creativity with a focus on Interesting, Rare and Unusual Motorcycles and Accessories. Haul N Ride welcomes the sharing of projects and ideas, creating an enjoyable and educational online resource. We like to hear from readers so please leave a comment below and let us know if this post helped you or if you have any questions.
Thank you for visiting Haul N Ride. Dave
