The Jetson ONE is the Latest Personal eVTOLÂ Aircraft
Jetpacks have been a staple icon of futuristic technology for decades. Science fiction films have always dreamt of a future where people can fly to their destinations effortlessly. But now, the future has arrived, and it comes in the form of the Jetson ONE personal aircraft. A brand new product that brings the idea of a jetpack to life!
The Jetson ONE made its inaugural flight in the United States in November of 2023, and the company behind it says that it expects to begin deliveries to customers this year (2024). But what makes this jetpack different from the rest? Let's dive into the specifics.
The Jetson ONE is a revolutionary jetpack, or personal eVTOL, with some exciting features that redefine the idea of air travel. The Italy-based company has already raised $15 million from investors, including musician will.i.am, and 360 (and counting) pre-orders have already been placed for the Jetson ONE, retailing at $98,000 (not including taxes and delivery).
But the Jetson ONE is not only expensive, it's also powerful. It can achieve a top flying speed of 63 miles per hour and an altitude of 1,500 feet. To put 1500 feet into perspective, you must see it in terms of a building. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are 1483 feet in height.
These specifications make it ideal for those who want to fly to their destinations without the hassle of traffic as you will be significantly higher than the congestion below. It also offers a sense of freedom that has never been possible before. Don't worry. The Jetson ONE comes with a ballistic parachute should something go wrong. The Jetson ONE is also capable of flying safely should one motor fail.
Speaking of motors, the Jetson ONE is powered by eight electric motors, each with its battery pack, connected to eight propellers, generating around 20 minutes of flying time before recharging. It can be charged using your regular household outlet, meaning you don't need a special charging station. The Jetson ONE is also designed to be highly user-friendly. It uses a touchscreen display that shows data on battery life, altitude, and speed, making it easy for novices and experienced pilots. The left control determines the altitude, with the right control providing direction.
One of the most significant advantages of the Jetson ONE is that it's more environmentally friendly than traditional aircraft. It has zero emissions, which means it's fun and sustainable. It's ideal for travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and have a unique flying experience.
Conclusion and Takeaways
With the amount of redundancy safety protocols in place, it's nice to know safety is a top concern, as it should be. The all-aluminum space chassis is inspired by race cars and adds durability that traditional drones don't have. Couple this with the hands-free hover system and LIDAR sensor-driven automatic system, and the complicated becomes simple.
In addition to its impressive safety features, the Jetson ONE offers a sleek and modern design. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, whether taking a trip or storing it in your home. Plus, with its zero emissions and environmentally friendly technology, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying an exhilarating flying experience.
There are a few more details I want to look further into. This craft is designed for people weighing at most 210 pounds, which could alienate many prospective flyers. I would also like to see how it considers height (is it comfortable for taller people?). A craft like this is designed mainly for recreation as it only has a flight time of 20 minutes or 20 miles. Vertical take-off and landing may chew into the overall flight time.
Interestingly, this craft will be classified as an "ultralight," given it weighs less than 200lbs. This means it comes under a different scrutiny than typical aircraft; ultimately, no certification, testing, or license is needed to pilot it. The company states a couple of training days is enough to provide the necessary experience to maneuver this aircraft.
Am I the only one to think no certification couldn't be the case for long? Can you imagine several hundred of these cruising around any given airspace?
(Update: The company has stated the Jetson ONE is mainly for recreational use and should not be flown over cities, populated areas, or at night)
The Jetson ONE is an exciting product that redefines air travel. It combines power, speed, user-friendliness, and sustainability in one package. It's perfect for commuters in non-populated areas, travelers, thrill seekers, and aviators who want to experience flight in a futuristic way. The company has even proposed having Santa use it on his future trips.
While the Jetson ONEÂ is expensive, it's an investment worth considering for those who want to see their future soar, but unless you were one of the early pre-orders, 2024 and 2025 production is sold out. With the Jetson ONE, the future of air travel is closer than ever, so long as you plan on 2026 for your new purchase!