Dubai police testing flying motorbikes

A flying motorcycle developed by California-based startup Hoversurf is being used to train police officers in Dubai, with the aim of helping first responder units to access hard-to-reach areas


HOVERBIKE S3: Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle

Frame: Carbon-fibre body made as single element, giving stiffness of structure while reducing weight

Engine
30kW motors drive three-bladed propellers.
Total thrust: 364kg

Battery
12.3kWh capacity

Controls: Twin joysticks alter altitude and direction. Vehicle can also be piloted remotely

Battery recharge time
2.5 hrs

Rotor diameter 1.2m
Length 2m


SAFETY SYSTEMS
Computer-aided speed and altitude limiting, auto take-off and landing

Laser all-weather LiDAR* assists navigation

“Triple security system” includes mechanical, electronic and passive protection


SPECIFICATIONS: Hoverbike S3 2019
Weight	114kg (qualifies as ultralight under U.S. FAA rules, requiring no pilot’s license)
Maximum speed	96km/h (52 knots)
Recommended flying altitude	5 metres
Flight time	Up to 40 mins in drone mode, 10-25 mins with pilot
Price	$150,000 (+$10,000 training course)


*Light Detection And Ranging 


Sources: Hoversurf, CNN 
Picture: Hoversurf 
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