Are Flying Bicycles in our Near Future?

 

Image Source: CNN website, http://www.cnn.com
/2013/06/20/tech/innovation/worlds-first-flying-
bicycle, last visited August 14, 2013.

As reported in a CNN article from earlier this summer, two British inventors have developed a bicycle that can be turned into an aircraft. They call it the XploreAir Paravelo. According to the article, the machine can travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in the air and reach heights of up to 4,000 feet. The machine is not available to the public yet – the inventors are finalizing the design.

The bike is similar to a traditional bike but is connected to a lightweight trailer that consists of a (1) giant fan, (2) biofuel 249cc motor, and (3) fold-away wing.

For city use, the bike can be disconnected from the trailer. To fly, the (1) bike hitches to the trailer, (2) wing is unfolded, and (3) the electric motor runs the fan. It needs open ground for takeoff and can stay airborne for up to three hours. The inventors say the machine controls like a fan-powered paraglider and could be used for such things as air scouting for forest rangers and border patrols. The fan can also detach from its casing and strap on a person’s back. According to the article, in many countries no license is needed to fly the machine in this manner, but the U.S. Powered Paragliding Association stresses proper training.