Sunday, April 1, 2007

Flying motorcycle? Done!

"Former test pilot Larry Neal of Boyd, Texas created this awesome flying machine called the Super Sky Cycle (basically a flying bike - technically a cross between a motorcycle and an autogyro).
The flying bike goes as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road, and sells for around $25 grand!"

Even on a motorcycle you can get stuck in traffic, and dream of lifting yourself and your motorcycle above the traffic, gliding home, avoiding traffic jams. Mixing motorcycle and airplane is not easy. Some are trying {link}, and some are close to success.

The Butterfly is one of the latter. Larry Neal, president of The Butterfly LLC has been awarded a patent for his Super Sky Cycle. The Super Sky Cycle is a motorcycle, or more a trike, with foldable rotor blades above the rider.

Super Sky Cycle - Flying motorcycle

The rotor blades are extended in an out position, and when they turn, they provide the lift, the same way a fixed wing would. With a propeller in the back, you can fly away. The rotor blades not only give you lift when flying, but when landing, you can set the thing down on a dime (well, a dime measuring 20 feet).

The concept of the Super Sky Cycle is that of the Autogyro, an invention as old as flying itself (it was invented in 1919 in Spain). By adding foldable rotor blades, you can not only ride the motorcycle like you would any trike, but also store it in almost any garage.

The Rotax 582 engine powers either the wheels or the propeller. The vehicle can fly at a cruise speed of 50 mph, with a maximum speed of 65 mph. Remember, there are no speed cameras in the sky, and no hidden Police officers .

Depending on your speed and comfort wishes, the Super Sky Cycle will range in price starting around the US$20,000 up to US$40,000. Assembly is required, and you do not need a rubber band for the propeller.Publish
Author: Mike Werner

Sky Motorcycle Video

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