the french company shoe is using its experience in manufacturing flying machines with a jetracer powered by 10 jet engines and autonomous backflip capabilities that could be manned by anyone.
According to a report published on the website of CNETIt is expected that the Jetracer’s top speed is near 125 to 155 miles per hour and its maximum altitude is expected to be in excess of 9,800 feet. However, these figures are not finalized, as the Jetracer is still undergoing testing and adjustment.
Despite the Jetracer’s sleek and intimidating design, “it’s actually quite easy to fly”according to Jules Birchler, Zapata’s head of business development.
That ease comes, according to the company, from the Jetracer’s built-in flight controller, which is designed to prevent accidents, stabilize the craft in difficult conditions, and even enable autonomous capabilities.
How to use the Zapata Jetracer
Pilots input where they want to go and the flight controller decides how to go. The company also released video of an unmanned Jetracer doing a barrel roll, which Birchler says was a “pre-engineered trick” using a flight simulator to figure out what inputs would be needed for the Jetracer to do a barrel roll on thrust. of a button.
Zapata aims to bring the Jetracer to the United States this year, where people will get their first chance to try it out. Eventually, the company hopes to open permanent flight centers, where the Jetracer could be rented out like a Jet Ski.
Birchler also discussed Zapata’s follow-up to the Jetracer, called the Air Scooter, which features a hybrid electric/combustion engine and longer flight time. He said that Air Scooter is likely to launch around the second half of 2023.