The Zapata AirScooter is a personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed by French inventor Franky Zapata. It's intended to be an accessible and easy-to-fly personal mobility solution.
Here's a breakdown of its features and what's known about its price:
Features:
* Hybrid-Electric Propulsion: The AirScooter uses a hybrid powertrain, combining electric motors with a fuel tank (18.9 L / 5 gallons). This allows for a longer flight time compared to purely electric VTOLs, reportedly over two hours.
* Performance:
* Maximum Speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)
* Cruise Speed: 80 km/h (50 mph)
* Maximum Altitude: 2,987 m (9,800 ft)
* Design:
* Egg-shaped cockpit: Provides panoramic views for the pilot.
* Compact Dimensions: Approximately 340 x 340 x 256 cm (11 x 11 x 8 feet).
* Lightweight: Empty weight of 112 kg (247 lb).
* Payload: Can carry a maximum payload of 120 kg (264 lb).
* Propellers: The prototype features 14 propellers on 8 booms, with some booms having additional vertical propellers for yaw control.
* Control and Safety:
* "Fly-by-wire" controls: Computer-assisted controls are designed for ease of use and high safety, requiring minimal training.
* VR-like joysticks: The pilot controls the AirScooter using two joysticks, aiming for an intuitive "jetfighter video game" sensation.
* Safety harness: The pilot seat includes a safety harness.
* Ultralight Aircraft Classification: In the US, it is designed to comply with Federal Aviation Authority PART 103 Regulations, potentially allowing it to be flown without a pilot's license as an "ultralight aircraft."
* Sustainability: Zapata claims its carbon footprint is comparable to a passenger car, thanks to its hybrid powertrain and the ability to use sustainable fuel.
Price:
As of June 2025, there is no publicly announced price for the Zapata AirScooter. It was introduced as a prototype in June 2023 and is still in the early planning and development stages. While Zapata has other products like the Flyboard with prices available, the AirScooter is a new and significantly different venture. It's expected that more details on pricing and availability will be released closer to its potential mass market release.
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