Picture a flying go-kart, with eight turbine engines – a pair on each corner, gimballed on two axes together with exhaust nozzles.
It works on a distributed turbine principle, with the nozzles pointing down to provide lift or for landing.
Mayman says the Speeder’s combination of payload and ability to take-off from and land in a nine sq m area is not possible with current battery capability, whereas turbine engines are “proven, tested technology”.
It adds that building of a second prototype, with a smaller airframe, that it intends to fly without a tether, has begun, with flight testing due to begin later in the summer.
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