Yeah, it's cool, but I'd hate to have one park next to me kicking up all those stones. Or worse yet, hate to own one and get it FOD'ed out with debris sucked into the fans.
cachurro
First of all, the video does not look real to me.
And second, adding a skirt will dramatically increase fuel efficiency and stability. And then you have a proven ol' hovercraft. Nothing new. Really.
Tom Arr
Even if it is real, this tech makes such a mess, and would require everyone around to wear a duster and face mask to deal with it.
VoiceofReason
Yeah....intuitive flight controls.....that's why it needs 41 flight tests before getting back in the air. I really would like to ride, own and test one, but from watching the test pilot struggle. I'll pass. What's wrong with adding a simple gyroscope or two for stability?
bas
Made for hover only. Do not exeed 10cm of altitude. Use only in wide open spaces. Do not, ever, use the Hoverbike in traffic. Have medical personnel ready at all times while using the Hoverbike. Do not operate the Hoverbike near to persons or property. Have... etcetera.
William H Lanteigne
Having four ducted fans above the body of the vehicle would make it more stable (cant the fans' rotational axes inward a few degrees for more stablity). Power it with a turbocharged aluminum block Chev V8 (inexpensive powerplant). Control direction and yaw with vanes in the ducts, if the vehicle is otherwise stable there would be no need to control pitch or roll. You could get all kinds of complicated if you like, but this could be done really simple; simple is cheaper and more reliable.
Niner Nation
I personally would prefer four fans for balance.
Slowburn
re; VoiceofReason I agree gyroscopic stabilization is the way to go. You need two wheels otherwise you just fall 90 degrees away from the direction of the "push".
Timothy Jahn
So it kicks up a little gravel and grit. still have to load chase scene music from Johhny Quest and ride one of these