Karmactive Staff
In a recent development that merits careful examination, Swedish startup Jetson has conducted the world’s first eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) race with a pilot onboard. The company’s founder and CTO, Tomasz Patan, maneuvered the Jetson ONE around 26-foot tall pylons, marking a technical progression in personal aerial vehicles.
The Technical Reality
The Jetson ONE, measuring 8.86 x 5.25 x 3.67 feet (2,700 x 1,600 x 1,120-mm), achieves a top speed of 63 mph (102 km/h) with a flight time of 20 minutes per charge using high-discharge lithium-ion batteries. These specifications define the current capabilities of the aircraft.
“We bridge the gap between sci-fi and reality and most importantly we do not show renderings, we have a working product,” states Patan, addressing skepticism about eVTOL implementations.
Market Analysis and Safety Considerations
Jetson reports 471 units sold at $128,000 each, with an $8,000 reservation fee. The company states pilots can master the aircraft in 60 minutes of flight practice and eight simulator sessions. Safety protocols for racing scenarios remain under development.
The demonstration, while technically impressive, exposes critical safety challenges. Mid-air collision risks in multi-vehicle racing situations remain unaddressed in current demonstrations.
Regulatory Progress
In fall 2023, Jetson secured two flight permits in Italy for personal eVTOL travel in uncontrolled airspace. This regulatory advancement provides a framework for future developments, though comprehensive racing regulations remain undefined.
More Stories
Industry Context
While Airspeeder has conducted eVTOL racing events, their approach utilizes remote piloting for safety considerations. Jetson’s demonstration, though singular in nature, introduces the variable of onboard piloting to the racing format.
Financial Backing
A $15 million funding round, led by musician will.i.am, has supported production expansion. This investment has enabled Jetson to increase its manufacturing capabilities.
Technical Specifications
The aircraft operates via joystick control and can reach altitudes exceeding 1,500 ft (~460 m). In the United States, a pilot’s license is not required for operation of this vehicle.
Future Considerations
The technology’s evolution continues to develop in personal aerial transportation, with ongoing assessment of its advantages and limitations in real-world applications.
