Watch Video: Jetson One “A Day at The Races!”
A video of three Jetson One Personal Flying Vehicles racing together around large plastic cones placed in a field, went viral recently on social media. The film encapsulates everything good and bad about this impending new industry. From the fun and excitement to the hidden dangers the craft offer.
Often the public comments say more about the present attitude towards this new aviation revolution than the gloss and upbeat marketing from the companies involved.
Judging from Youtube comments below this video, the perception of safety and the lack of it becomes very apparent. For example, ‘When you crash with this vehicle, the rotors hack you to pieces!’; ‘Food processor flying competition’; and ‘Get the propellers away from head height and put a guard on there and we’ll be good to go’ are typical examples.
Others include ‘It’s not a flying car, it’s a quadcopter. When one engine stops it crashes’; ‘I don’t think these guys really understand how dangerous this is or what is likely to happen if two of these things collide.’
Please Watch Video
Then there is the noise.
‘With all that noise, imagine thousands of them’; ‘Please fix the noise’; ‘It’s just an expensive novelty’ and so on. On a positive note, ‘We are all witnessing the future of flying cars’; and ‘Luv this, but let it be solely for recreation. Redbull race style?’
So, safety is a primary issue.
While Jetson says, “Safety is packed into every corner of our design,” including a redundant battery system and the ability to fly without one motor, alongside a ballistic parachute for emergencies, the fact you don’t need a pilot’s licence to use one, only adds to this perception of lurking jeopardy.
Just one crash leading to serious injury or even death could quickly put an end to Jetson’s business short-term. The overall look is not great. The noise may not be so much an issue if flown over private land and preferably in a remote area. For the idea we’ll see such craft in its present form, flying above a conurbation, is surely absurd?
On the other hand, LIFT’s HEXA looks far more safe and elegant than the Jetson One and therefore has a greater chance to become a serious contender in the future personal flying vehicle market. Yet, given this industry is still in its “Wild West Days” only time will tell.
As for Jetson, the company aims to bring the craft to market in 2026. At a cost of around USD128,000 this will not be just for the wealthy. Although, having access to private land, away from the public, becomes paramount.
For more information
(Top image: Jetson One at The Races)
For the latest news, insights and content regarding the global Advanced Air Mobility market, please join the following eVTOL Insights channels: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.