Airbike on test run The future of personal transportation is rapidly evolving with dramatic new launches every year. For decades, we have fantasized of flying like our favorite superheroes, soaring through the sky like a Marvel Avenger or skimming the ground on Luke Skywalker’s speeder bike. That dream is now coming to life as a flying motorbike has arrived, turning our dreams into reality. The outrageous Volonaut Airbike is a jet-powered personal aircraft designed to give one rider the feeling of flying through the skies like a member of the Fantastic Four. It’s a sleek, compact machine that was created to transform the consumer's experience with movement. The Airbike is the brainchild of Tomasz Patan, a Polish inventor and entrepreneur who developed the machine over several years in "stealth mode" before now unveiling it to the world. Weighing only 67 pounds and much lighter than the average motorcycle, the Airbike uses multiple jet engines instead of propellers, dramatically changing the function and feel of flight. Airbike ready for pre orders “It was always my dream to create a personal flying machine so futuristic and iconic that it could be placed on a science-fiction movie set,” Patan says. “The challenge was to build real-world, reliable technology that could be shrunk down and wrapped in bold design. The result is a vehicle with incredible performance, stunning looks, and it’s flying!” Patan wanted the Airbike not only to function, but to inspire people with a machine that incorporates cutting-edge technology with the visceral thrill of straddling a superbike, only in the air. Unlike most vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOLs), which rely on helicopter-style rotors or drone propellers, the Airbike is powered entirely by jet propulsion. The design reduces vibrations and creates a smooth, responsive ride. The rider sits in a forward-leaning position, using motorcycle-style controls and stabilization software to do most of the technical work, making it easy to operate. Patan says, "as simple as playing an arcade game." This means beginners will not need aviation training, although the company will provide professional instructions. Because the Airbike falls under the U.S. CFR Part 103 ultralight classification, it does not require a pilot's license. The fuel options are numerous, with the machine able to run on jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, or biodiesel, and can refuel in less than a minute. Despite its remarkable design and function, the Airbike is still restricted to transporting a rider up to 210 pounds and reaching speeds of only 63 mph. It obviously won't get you too far in 10 minutes, so it's still in its infancy for tourism and exploring. Airbike on test ride Patan acknowledges the constraints. Describing the current model as a "first-generation" product. "Its purpose is mainly recreational with some interesting use cases where rapid deployment and compact size could be of great benefit," he tells me, "Future Airbike generations will overcome most of those limitations and become more popular and accessible." The other obstacle to most consumers is the cost. The Airbike is currently taking pre-orders for $880,000, limiting its realistic purchase to thrill-seeking billionaires. Despite all of this, the Airbike still proves an important milestone in aviation. According to the company's sales brochure, it is "the first jet-powered flying bike to achieve stable, controlled flight without traditional propellers, which is a breakthrough that could influence the next wave of personal air mobility." Look for many more launches in the future, as personal flight machines are becoming a reality with automakers entering the market. Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Rolls-Royce are among the manufacturers currently developing flying cars and electric VTOLs. All of these are capable of transporting multiple passengers rather than the single-person Airbike. Rolls-Royce electric, vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) flying car concept. Rolls-Royce With new footage of the Airbike test flight now released, hovering, and landing, it is thrilling to imagine what our future will look like. Camping and exploring in remote, inaccessible areas will never be the same again. For Patan, the emotional connection is as important as the technology itself. “The rider feels like a superhero with the ability to glide through the air with no effort and the sensation of full three-dimensional freedom,” he explains. This remarkable machine opens up a wonderland of opportunity to deliver an experience never thought possible. As Patan explains, “The first generation of Airbike lets everyone experience the thrill of riding in the air and owning a machine so far reserved only for science-fiction movies. The Airbike doesn’t just fly you through the skies, it transports you into the future.” MORE FROM FORBES ForbesUFO Tourism Is Booming With These 15 Hotspots To Visit Around The WorldBy Jim DobsonForbesOutrageous Travel Gifts For The Man Who Has EverythingBy Jim Dobson volonaut airbike Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions