New Atlas

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Lazareth's transforming, flying motorcycle demonstrates a stable hover

Loz Blain March 17, 2019

"We don't know if Lazareth is genuinely intending to test fly this thing," we wrote when we first saw La Moto Volante, "or just present it as a work of art." A new video answers that question pretty comprehensively, as it shows this beast taking off and achieving a stable hover on tethers.

Liftoff! Lazareth's Moto Volante in a stable 1-meter hover on safety tethers

Aircraft

Jetpack Aviation's David Mayman on his upcoming Speeder flying motorcycle

Loz Blain March 14, 2019

If somebody tells you they're building a flying motorcycle, it's probably appropriate to reply "yeah, right." But if that somebody is jetpack guru David Mayman, it's worth your while listening, because Mayman has some seriously impressive achievements under his belt.

The Speeder flying motorcycle: Jetpack Aviation's latest project

Aircraft

MetaFly is that flying robotic insect you've been looking for

Ben Coxworth March 6, 2019

Five years ago, French aeronautical engineer Edwin Van Ruymbeke successfully crowdfunded his Bionic Bird – it's a remote-control model that flies by flapping its wings, just like a real bird. Now he's back, with the insect-inspired MetaFly.

The MetaFly can be flown both indoors and outdoors (if the winds aren't too strong)

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The Speeder: Jetpack Aviation opens pre-orders on jet powered flying motorcycle

Loz Blain March 6, 2019

Jetpack Aviation has leap-frogged its own flying car project with the announcement that it's taking pre-orders now on a self-stabilizing, jet turbine-powered flying motorcycle capable of 150 mph speeds, 20 minute endurance and 15,000 ft altitudes.

Jetpack Aviation is taking orders now on its US$380,000 jet turbine-powered flying motorcycl;e

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Supersonic: 50 years after its first flight, the Concorde story is still remarkable

David Szondy March 3, 2019

Fifty years ago, the first Concorde SST took to the skies over Toulouse, France. Hailed in its day as a technological achievement to rival the first manned Moon landing. So, get your VIP boarding pass as we look back at the career of the luxury passenger aircraft that flew faster than the Sun.

On March 2, 1969, the first Concorde took to the air from Toulouse, France. Only 20 ...

Aircraft Feature

Australian startup plans a proper long-range, road-drivable VTOL flying car

Loz Blain February 27, 2019

Another flying car company is preparing to join the race, as Australia's Macchina Volantis gears up to prototype its roadable 5-seat electric aircraft. With VTOL capability, winged flight mode and a diesel range extender, it should fly at three times highway speed and offer some serious range.

Aircraft

Watch Vahana's flying car transition from VTOL to forward flight mode

Loz Blain February 24, 2019

In its 50th test flight, Vahana's Alpha One is starting to demonstrate its tilt-wing flight capabilities. Its eight electric props point skyward for vertical takeoff and landing, then tilt forward when in motion for efficient, quick winged flight over long ranges.

Vahana's Alpha One has completed some 50 test flights now, and has just demonstrated its ability ...

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Airbus to cease deliveries of A380 in two years

Ben Coxworth February 14, 2019

After making its first flight in 2005, the Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet proceeded to become the flagship aircraft of the Emirates airline. This Thursday, however, it was announced that Emirates has reduced its latest order. As a result, Airbus will cease deliveries of the A380 in 2021.

The Airbus A380 is the world's largest airliner, and Emirates flies more of them than any ...

Aircraft

Astigan's High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite brings mapmaking into the 21st century

David Szondy February 13, 2019

Astigan Ltd is developing its A3 High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) with the goal of giving cartography a boost. The unmanned 149-kg (328 lb) solar-powered aircraft is designed to fly at an altitude of 67,000 ft for up to 90 days as a way to fill the gap between aerial and satellite surveys.

The Astigan A3 is designed to stay aloft for up to 90 days

Aircraft

Volocopter and Frankfurt Airport join forces on flying taxi infrastructure

Nick Lavars February 12, 2019

Startup Volocopter will now seek to explore the possibilities around stations for its flying taxis through a newly announced partnership with Frankfurt Airport.

Render of a Volocopter flying taxi over Frankfurt Airport