AirScooter II Ultralight Helicopter

This 65 HP Ultralight Helicopter demonstrates that personal helicopters in the back yard parked beside the family car may not be a far fetched concept. If you can’t wait to get your hands on the real one, you can always buy the model version for now.

“Going back to the future of rotor craft design is the basic concept of the AirScooter VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) vehicle by AirScooter Corporation of Henderson, Nevada. “The original Sikorsky rotorcraft helicopter concept was based on a coaxial design much like the AirScooter,” says Woody Norris; internationally recognized inventor and AirScooter Corporation co-founder, “what we’ve done is package the coaxial design in a modern light-weight craft that allows for intuitive control and incredible maneuverability.”

By eliminating the need and complexity of swashplates, collective and cyclic control through a coaxial rotor design a number of benefits beyond conventional helicopter designs are immediately realized. First; enhanced, intuitive flight controls are achieved by simple motorcycle-style handlebars and the absence of a tail rotor. To gain altitude, simply throttle up like you would on a motorcycle, turn left or right on the handlebars for craft rotation and move the handlebar assembly as a joystick for directional control (including reverse). No pedal controls are necessary, which means someone without the use of their legs can just as easily fly the AirScooter. Handlebar controls represent the most distinguishable feature of the AirScooter. AirScooter’s patented design also provides an amazing level of stability while in the air and during flight.”

Via: Retro Things