Aero-X vehicle is similar to a hovercraft, but better

Remember Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder hovercraft in 'Star Wars'? It seems that California-based Aerofex is making it a reality with its Aero-X hover vehicle...

Aero-X is an aerial all-terrain vehicle. It's similar to a hovercraft because it uses the benefit of the surface below it to provide lift, but unlike a hovercraft it does not rely on that surface for stability, so it is able to fly higher.

Capable of vertical take-offs and landings, Aero-X can fly up to three metres off the ground and reach 72 km/h. It's said to be intuitive to fly, responding to your movements just as a motorcycle would. In fact, this intuitive method for controlling a vehicle in 3-dimensions -- developed and proven in test flights of its prototype -- has earned Aerofex two patents.

Measuring 4,5 m in length, 2,1 m wide and weighing 356 kg, Aero-X is powered by a water-cooled rotary engine, which has steel rotors and aluminium housing. It generates 179 kW at 5000 r/min.

Aerofex has announced that it'll be launching Aero-X in 2017. Want one? As of 1 May 2014, the estimated price is $85 000 +CPI (about R900 000 +CPI). The company is already accepting refundable deposits of $5 000 (about R53 000) on its Web site.

Watch as they take their prototype vehicle for a spin...

Source: Aerofex - http://aerofex.com/theaerox