The Airwolf tandem 2-up eVTOL, developed by Czech company UDX, has individually tilting ducted fan propulsion.
Imagine biking across Southern California’s gorgeous coastal mountains on a Sunday morning. You choose to ride your UDX Airwolf hoverbike instead of your Hayabusa, and there isn’t a single car on the perfect day. You put on your helmet, turn on the ducted fans, put on your favourite music, and launch out of your garage. In an instant, you’re traveling at 142 mph (230 km/h), cruising over stop signs, traffic, and police radar with the speed of a Peregrine falcon en route to one of your favorite canyons.
The Airwolf hoverbike, developed by Czech firm UDX, aims to achieve this goal. With “hummingbird-like” agility, the Airwolf is an eVTOL with 430 horsepower (320 kW) and seating for two. Although it seems like a regular quadcopter, its tilting propulsion pods make it unique. Its four shrouded fan units are all independently movable, which improves maneuverability.
Not only are these structural supports, but they also operate as wings, producing about half the lift required for forward flight. This increases efficiency and decreases battery demand, allowing longer flying time. The Airwolf weighs 639 lbs (230 kg) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in three seconds, reaching a top speed of 142 mph (229 km/h). However, this high performance comes with a limited flight time of 25 minutes and a range of 41 miles (66 km).
Despite the short flight duration, the experience promises to be thrilling. Imagine living out your Top Gun fantasies, performing aerobatics with the electronic flight controller, and enjoying the rush of wind through steep-walled canyons. The Airwolf can accommodate a passenger, adding to the excitement.
However, the dream comes with a hefty price tag of US$320,000, making it accessible only to those with substantial means.
UDX has developed small-scale and quarter-scale prototypes that incorporate the thrust-vectoring propulsion system. As seen in their promotional videos, these prototypes have demonstrated stability and agility in flight testing.
The path to full-scale production remains lengthy and uncertain, but the advancements in battery and electric motor technology make the future of personal eVTOLs promising. These compact aircraft are transitioning from futuristic concepts to reality, offering new possibilities for personal transport, commuting, search and rescue, and emergency response.
To fly the UDX Airwolf in the U.S., pilots will need a sports pilot license. This license requires 20 hours of flight training, including five solo hours, and passing a couple of tests. This requirement is less rigorous and expensive than obtaining a private pilot license.
UDX is not alone in the pursuit of airborne two-wheeled thrillers. The Lazareth Moto Volante, with its jet turbine engines in each wheel hub, and Mayman Aerospace’s Speeder, using thrust-vectoring gimbaled turbojets, are notable competitors. While Lazareth offers a motorcycle-like appearance, Mayman’s Speeder promises greater range and speed due to its use of fossil fuels, though at the cost of noise.
Another contender is the Air One by Israeli company Air, which features range-extending wings and a fully enclosed cockpit. The Air One offers an impressive 110-mile (177-km) range at speeds up to 155 mph (250 km/h) and can recharge its battery pack in just an hour. Its wings can fold for easy transport, making it versatile for various uses.
Company website: UDX