We have probably all seen the original volocopter video that totalized more than 8 million visits (!!) on youtube since it was uploaded on October 28, 2011.
Volocopter from e-volo
Here’s the October 2011 video:
Since then, also thanks to a huge crowdfunding effort, e-volo now presents a prototype the first battery powered manned multirotor. The cockpit is reminiscent of helicopters but the flying mechanism is exquisitely multirotor based.
Here are a few pictures of the new volocopter, from the e-volo website.
And here are a few specs, from a KSL article:
- Battery: 100Kg, 17.5 kilowatt-hour battery
- Passengers: 2
- Total weight: 300 Kg
- Propellers: 18
- External circular frame diameter: 10m
- Price tag: 338.000$
- Current flight time: 20-40 mins depending on load and wind conditions
See it in action in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzP0Zqxam7E
Edit 11/12/2013: for more details check out this updated article on EarthTechling
Nice machine
Add a turbojet engine/generator to the tail of the cabin to obtain forward thrust and electricity for the lifting motors. Trade the passenger and battery wt for a gasoline fuel tank or make a bigger model for two people.