You might have heard about eVTOLs, which stands for electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft. Well, there’s some exciting news coming from Jetson, a Swedish startup that’s making waves in the air racing scene. While Australia’s Airspeeder has been working on crewed eVTOL races, Jetson’s founder and CTO, Tomasz Patan, recently took the spotlight with a demonstration that many are calling the start of the world’s first eVTOL air racing.
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Credit: Jetson
Airspeeder’s ambitions
Airspeeder has been building momentum since 2017, aiming to establish world championship races with their striking eVTOL aircraft. However, their current races involve remote-controlled vehicles, with pilots safely on the ground. Enter Jetson, who has now demonstrated a crewed flight around a racing pylon, albeit with just one aircraft.
Credit: Jetson
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The Jetson One: A game changer
The star of this show is the Jetson One, a personal eVTOL designed for agility and performance. In a recent video, Patan showcases the aircraft’s nimble capabilities by navigating around a 26-foot-tall pylon. While this demonstration does not quite constitute a full race, it offers a tantalizing preview of what eVTOL racing could look like. Here are some key features of the Jetson One:
- Dimensions: 8.86 x 5.25 x 3.67 feet
- Top speed: Software-limited to 63 mph
- Flight time: 20 minutes per charge
- Power source: High-discharge Li-ion batteries
- Control: Joystick-operated
- Maximum altitude: Over 1,500 feet (~460 m)
- Pilot requirements: No license needed in the US
Credit: Jetson
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Market response and future plans
The market response to the Jetson One has been remarkable. The company has already confirmed sales for more than 470 units and is now taking orders for the 2026 batch. To secure your place in line, you’ll need to make a non-refundable deposit of $8,000, with the full price tag coming in at $128,000.
Jetson claims that their eVTOL is user-friendly, stating that pilots can master the aircraft in under 60 minutes of flight practice, along with eight simulator sessions. This accessibility could be a game-changer in the personal aviation market.
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Safety and regulatory considerations
While the prospect of personal eVTOLs and air racing is thrilling, it also raises important safety and regulatory questions. Jetson has implemented several safety features, including:
- A race car-inspired safety cell design
- The ability to fly safely with the loss of one motor
- Hands-free hover and emergency functions
- A ballistic parachute with rapid deployment
In terms of regulations, Jetson has made progress, securing two flight permits in Italy for personal eVTOL travel in uncontrolled airspace in fall 2023. However, comprehensive racing regulations are yet to be defined.
Credit: Jetson
The Competition: Airspeeder and Beyond
While Jetson has made headlines with this demonstration, it’s worth noting that Airspeeder isn’t far behind. They have already created teams and held aerial events, albeit with remote-controlled eVTOLs. Their aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 124 mph and a power-to-weight ratio comparable to Formula 1 cars.
Credit: Jetson
Kurt’s key takeaways
The demonstration by Jetson marks a significant milestone in the evolution of personal aviation and air racing. While it does not yet represent a full-fledged race, it is a tangible step towards a future where eVTOL racing could become a reality. As we look to the skies, it is clear that the race for eVTOL supremacy is just beginning.
What are your thoughts on the future of eVTOL racing and personal aviation after reading about Jetson and Airspeeder? Let us know in the comments below.
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