Hoversurf — The Flying Bike
By: Venkatesh S Joshi
Tags: Startup, Transportation, Future, Drones, Technology

There is no doubt that the rapid growth of world population is one of the biggest problems of today. What is more challenging is to control transport and traffic due to increase in number of vehicles over the years. No conventional solutions like public transportation, tunnel projects, etc can really solve the problem. The only solution is to move to the skies. One such company which is on the runway to take-off is Hoversurf.

Hoversurf is a human carrying drone company founded by Alex Atamanov. Currently, it is the only UAM (Urban Air Mobility) company to approach this global challenge of “over-saturation of urban transportation infrastructure” from a non conventional angle. Their main focus is on ‘leveraging existing urban transport infrastructure when developing UAM vehicles’.

Introducing the Hoversurf Scorpion 3

The Hoverbike S3 is one of the tools people could use in the not so distant future to get around by flying rather than driving. It is a motorbike-like construction allowing only one person to ride it at a time.

It features a carbon fibre monocoque frame, a platform that houses four motors mounted on beams, the bike’s computer and the battery pack. The pilot’s seat is adjustable which allows a person to sit comfortably at any height and also have an arm-adjustable joystick and dashboard. The drone bike weighs a whopping 114 Kg only and has a total thrust of 364 Kg!

The power for the bike comes from a 12.3 KWh LiNiMnCoO2 battery (Lithium manganese nickel) which allows for a max flight time of 25 minutes depending on the pilot’s weight and weather conditions. A new portable home charging pack allows for quick charging in as little as 2.5 hours. The S1 comes with a factory-set max altitude of 5 meters (16 feet) and a top speed of 96 km/h.

Safety of the pilot and humans on grounds is of utmost importance during its operation. Hence the Hoverbike is equipped with a redundant multi layered security system. In case of a malfunction, the electronic safety system triggers an emergency landing while providing audio and visual warnings. A mechanical safety system having a kill switch allows the pilot to stop the motors immediately in case it actually comes down crashing.

In 2017, Hoversurf delivered the first Hoverbikes to the Dubai police, with which local police officers began training. Although there was sufficient training given to the officers, there seemed to be a malfunction in the barometer of the drone during one of the test flights which resulted in a crash. Fortunately the pilot was wearing a complete protective suit and sustained only mild injures from the crash.

The Hoverbike does not come cheap. Each one will cost $150,000 (Rs. 1.1 crores) and customers will have to pay an additional amount of $10,000 (Rs. 7.3 lakhs) for training and a fly suit.

Cargo Drones

Hoversurf also has a cargo drone in its arsenal. It is a quad copter with a payload capacity of 110 Kg. An initial test of the drone carrying 90Kg was successfully showcased.

It is powered by a Lithium Ion battery with a maximum flight time of 30 mins and a top speed of 60 km/hr. A set of Propeller safety guards and a cargo lock system can be installed as add-ons.

The Future — “The Formula Project”

Hoversurf has also conceptualised a new flying car, one which combines all the advantages in one design: “Convenience. Safety. Speed”.

Their revolutionary technology of the Venturi engine will allow them to get rid of propellers, which often frighten people. Their concept of a flying car is not a multi copter or an airplane. But in fact, it’s a perfect mix of both designs. They have developed a unique VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) system in which both the propulsion systems are independent of each other. They have also included the most advanced ballistic parachute system for emergency situations.

They have also developed a model of the Formula TWO and FOUR, which will be used as a taxi to transport up to 4 humans.

The Formula Project also have plans to make a Police and an Ambulance drone in the near future.

The Future is indeed in the sky!!!