Kitty Hawk Aero

Kitty Hawk Corp. ^ | April 2017 | Kitty Hawk Corp.

[taildragger]

I am sorry to be cynical, but this is a 3 axis Hovercraft without a skirt. If batteries go 2, 3, up to 5X from where we are? That would be great for L.E. and other like civic duties. As a toy, I am not sure? As the magic wiz bang commuter vehicle we all dream of to get out of traffic? I don't see it, everyone would want one and clog the non-auto routes with them.

* No one is asking, what is the disk loading / rotor?
* What is the Ceiling?
* Time between charge?

my guess it is a glorified ground effect machine at this point.

[taildragger]

Ok folks....

* They want to register it as an Ultralight.
* That means a total empty weight of no greater than 254 lbs.
* Do you know how tough it is to build an ultralight and get under 254? Don't get me started, lightening axle bolts, lightening all bolts, no paint, carbon fiber instrument panels, "Belite" instruments and that is for starters. In other words it is almost insane.
* So their is no extra FAA bonuses for batteries you need for the lack of energy density you have. You are allowed 5 U.S. Gallons of fuel and that is it. That is 30 lbs of fuel. No extra because the lack of energy density because you are electric. Which means for any range, they need a very low empty weight to compensate for the batteries.

* So they may have a low empty weight so they can carry more batteries, however you need so much more power for vertical flight.

All I know is Mark Bierele of Earthstar who I have had the pleasure of meeting, and conversing with worked his butt off to convert an Earthstar with "Zero" Motorcycle proven drivetrain parts converted and got I think a max time of flight of 45 minutes. Mark is sharp, darn sharp. I'd love to see how these guys out did Mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZ2seiQ-Zk