More than a scooter, the Airscooter looks like an inclined cocoon suspended from four arms equipped with rotors with a U-shaped stabilizing wing at the rear that measures no more than 2.5 m high and 4 m in wingspan. A futuristic line for a machine whose future is already partly mapped out. But not in France at first, due to regulations.

An aircraft from the future

We already knew about the Zapata company, founded and managed by Franky Zapata, former pilot and champion, inventor of the Flyboard and the Jetracer. The Chateauneuf-les-Martigues company is therefore once again making headlines in the very closed circle of aeronautical and space technological innovations with a vehicle reminiscent of Star Wars and Oblivion. Produced by in-house experts, its lightweight, particularly original design is sure to catch the eye. But it is its technical qualities that have earned it the attention of the media, competitors and certain industries.

112Kg, 4 engines and 100Km/h

"This vehicle meets the American "ultra light" regulations, because it weighs less than 115 kg (112 kg, precisely), it carries 18 liters of e-fuel, a hybrid engine with 4 motors, thermal and electric, for a range of two hours and a speed of 80 to 100 km/h", explains Guillaume Blessas, Research and Development engineer at Zapata Industrie. "The classification in this category will allow us to start our activity very quickly, from 2024".

It is also – and Zapata says it less – a machine capable of reaching 3 to 4000 m altitude and which can be driven without a license! In the long term, Franky Zapata plans to produce 1000 machines per year, at a probable rate of 100,000€ each.

Ready for autonomy

In terms of safety, this single-seater machine is very advanced, with the ability to decide at any time who takes the controls and when – the pilot or the machine? – and to manage the engines with the possibility of landing with only the thermal or electric rotors, in the event of a problem. From there to imagining a future of commercial or military drone for this agile, fast and self-piloting machine, there is only one other step…

Flight centers in the United States from 2024

Initially, there are no plans to sell it to individuals, although the machine is described as a "Personal flying machine". Belonging to this American category of "ultra lights" and the very low maintenance cost of this aircraft will allow the Airscooter to launch its career in the United States, from 2024, in an unexpected sector: entertainment, leisure. Franky Zapata's company has already planned to open "flight centers" in several American cities, or to rent its machine to flight centers. There, for around 200 dollars, you will be able to learn how to drive this air bike and, if all goes well, finish your training with a solo flight at the controls!

French regulations still lagging behind innovation

The ultimate urban vehicle of the future, flying over cities with the Airscooter is, according to Franky Zapata, a subject that is still too complicated to consider other activities. Finally, regarding its future in France, we will have to wait for an update of the regulations, once again, for the innovation to reach the French skies.


Find out more details on the Zapata website:https://www.zapata.com/fr/accueil/