When it was first announced at the end of last year, the hovering ArcaBoard was viewed with skepticism by many people. Since then, however, the device has been publicly demonstrated – and it has now reportedly entered production.
For details on just how the ArcaBoard works, check out our original article.
What it boils down to is 272 hp and 430 lb (1,913 N) of thrust being generated by 36 high-power electric ducted fans. This can levitate a standing 110-kg (243-lb) human passenger up to an altitude of 20 inches (50 cm), moving them horizontally at a top speed of 20 km/h (12.5 mph) – although only for about six minutes, or a range of about 2 km (a little over a mile). After that, the battery has to be recharged for 35 minutes, or an optional extra battery can be swapped in on the spot.
Since we last heard about it, the ArcaBoard "flew" for the public and press on April 14th at Monaco's Top Marques event. A video of that performance can be seen below.
It was also announced this Tuesday that the board has entered production, at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico. Deliveries to clients in China, France, Israel, Romania and the US should begin in May. Originally, plans called for them to start this month.
If you want a board of your own, be prepared to pay US$14,900 – that's actually less than the original projected price of $19,900, thanks to new production partnerships worked out with American and Chinese companies such as Southwest Composite Works Inc. and Eco Molding Co.
Source: ARCA Space
