Is the Flyboard Air the Next Generation of Transportation?

The Flyboard® Air by Zapata Racing

What is it?

The Flyboard Air is an “independent propulsion unit,” Zapata says, with the ability to fly up to 10,000 feet high. A real-life hoverboard.

How does it work?

It is powered by four engines of 250 horsepower each. Similar to the original Flyboard, the flyer can control the direction of the board with their feet. However, A “logic system” is built into the Flyboard Air containing a series of algorithms to assist the flyer with stabilization. The flyer also wears a backpack full of kerosine, jet fuel, to give them ten minutes of flight time.

U.S. Military Involvement

Zapata Industries recently announced the signing of a letter of intent for purchase by Implant Sciences, a US military firm, for about $15 million. Implant Sciences supplies the Department of Homeland Security with Explosive Trace Detection equipment. Their president stated, “we are beyond excited to have visionaries like Franky Zapata and his team on board and we are thrilled to allow for shareholders to benefit from the many breakthrough products he has already invented and the new innovations he will be unveiling in coming months and years.” Zapata Industries is already designing other aircraft that would use the same technology for medical and military purposes, such as the Jet Bike, Air Stretcher, Air Cargo, and Air Platform.

When can we ride it?

Unfortunately, the Flyboard Air will not be available commercially in 2016. And although a military supplier is intending on buying the company, Franky’s vision for the product is to be for both military and recreation. The dynamic is similar to the original water-powered Flyboard. The controller used also looks very much like the wireless EMK used for hydroflight products.

Get Ready for the Flyboard Air

Franky predicts that in order to fly a Flyboard Air, a person will have to log at least 100 hours on the original water-powered Flyboard® so that they have experience with this type of personal aviation technology. The Flyboard Pro Series is the newest Flyboard on the market and most similar to the Flyboard Air in how it is operated. Flying a Flyboard is very intuitive, the user moves their feet to change the direction of the board. The Flyboard Air uses the same movements, but will also have self-stabilizing technology to assist in balance. To buy a Flyboard, check out our store.

Demo at the Flyboard World Cup

This weekend, September 16-18, is the Flyboard World Championship competition in Naples, Florida. You can read more about it in our previous blog post. It has been confirmed that the Flyboard Air will be demonstrated at the event.