The Segway of the sky will fly in early 2008 thanks to Pete Bitar of Air Buoyant. The Vertipod is designed to be a $10,000 kit for the do-it-yourself fly boys. Flying on the one-person device is as easy as standing on the platform, firing up the helicopter-like blades, and lifting off, then leaning to steer.
"Classified as an ultralight aircraft, the propeller-powered VertiPod's simple controls could spark a transportation revolution," Wired said.
"'It's kind of the first step toward the flying car,' said Air Buoyant President and CEO Pete Bitar. 'We call it the Segway of the sky. It has a rudder that steers it laterally, but you just lean in the direction you want to go."
So what if the promise made to every young boy in 1950 only took a few decades to happen?
Segway of the Sky
Vertipod DIY Kit
Trend Themes
1. DIY Aviation - The Vertipod DIY Kit allows individuals to build and fly their own ultralight aircraft, opening up opportunities for a growing market of DIY aviation enthusiasts.
2. Personal Electric Flight - The Vertipod's electric propulsion system and easy controls pave the way for personal electric flight, offering disruptive innovation opportunities in transportation and recreational industries.
3. Flying Car Revolution - The Vertipod represents a significant step towards the realization of a flying car, disrupting the automotive and aviation industries with its simple, efficient design.
Industry Implications
1. Aviation - The Vertipod DIY Kit introduces a new segment in the aviation industry, catering to the demand for affordable personal aircraft kits and encouraging innovation in recreational aviation.
2. Transportation - The electric-powered Vertipod opens up possibilities for compact, efficient personal transportation, potentially disrupting traditional modes of transportation in urban areas.
3. Recreational - The accessibility and affordability of the Vertipod DIY Kit make it a disruptive innovation in the recreational industry, providing a new and exhilarating flying experience for enthusiasts.