For anyone who has seen the original Star Wars trilogy or Back To The Future, some of the most memorable parts of those movies involve the exciting hover technology that lets characters fly freely above the ground.
Engineers have been working on new hovering aircraft for quite some time, and futuristic fantasies of a free flying hoverbike may finally be a reality for the U.S. Military.
Creating A New Class Of Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle
Through the partnership of Malloy Aeronautics, Survice Engineering Co. and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, a hoverbike is being developed specially for the needs of the U.S. military.
The Maryland-based development team will be made up of British and American engineers. Their aim is to create “a new class of Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle” or TRV.
Inspired By And Surpassing Familiar Hovering Aircraft
The current hoverbike prototype, which was developed by Malloy Aeronautics, may have been less inspired by sci-fi blockbusters than it was by the familiar helicopter. When seen in flight, it looks a bit like a small flying tabletop with huge horizontal fans extending beyond its surface.
Recent free flight and tethered testing, with and without a rider, respectively, has showed promising stability.
The hovering vehicle is meant to perform very much like a helicopter only without many of the limitations that are inherent to its predecessor’s design and size.
Part of that is due to the hoverbike’s more compact structure, which will allow it to be used in much tighter spaces with considerable speed and maneuverability, as well as moderate cargo capacity.
Compact, Diverse, Safe, And Inexpensive
The hoverbike is also a much safer vehicle than a helicopter. If it were to bump into a person or object, it wouldn’t incur anywhere near the level of damage; it would simply bring the craft out to the ground. Further, it’s considerably less expensive to buy and run.
The hoverbike’s diverse operation capabilities, which can be piloted by a rider, determined remotely, or by a pre-determined flight path, make it ideal for a number of situations and applications.
These include search and rescue missions, first response services, cargo delivery, and other operations over all manner of terrain. The hoverbike itself is amenable to transport.
With a foldable frame that’s crafted from carbon fiber over a foam core, it’s relatively light and remarkably easy to pack and ship from one location to the next.
Extending Beyond Defense Markets
While the U.S. Department of Defense is currently the most notable customer for the technology, you may someday get a chance to take a ride or even own your very own. Malloy Aeronautics, which will reportedly remain an independent company, is also aiming to tap into commercial and leisure markets with modified versions of manned and unmanned hoverbikes.
If given the chance, would you want to try this exciting mode of transport firsthand? Do you think it is good investment for the U.S. military? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Article Sources:
http://www.reuters.com
http://www.engadget.com
http://www.engadget.com
http://www.gizmag.com
