Monaco-based McClic, a firm recognized for its cutting-edge aerial photography and drone shows, has carried out a successful test flight of its MC One personal eVTOL. The MC One, a straightforward yet sophisticated coaxial octacopter, stands out with a distinct pilot’s seat positioned above its body. A minimal 10-minute training is all it takes to fly the MC One, opening up the skies to anyone.
This drone-like eVTOL owes its simplicity to an intuitive flight control system that automatically handles complex flight dynamics, including maintaining balance, holding position, and adjusting for wind gusts. The MC One is a relatively lightweight vehicle, tipping the scales at around 160 kg (353 lb). It is designed to carry a pilot up to 90 kg (198 lb) in weight.
Powered by a fully charged battery, the MC One offers an endurance of 12-15 minutes of air time. It can attain a maximum forward tilt angle of 55 degrees while reaching a regulated top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Its design includes eight carbon propellers that provide a level of redundancy and a mini roll bar positioned behind the pilot’s seat.
McClic embarked on manned flights in 2022 and is retailing these eVTOLs as luxury playthings with an exorbitant price tag of €140,000 (US$150,000), as reported by Monaco Daily News.
However, the question arises whether the MC One’s price justifies its features when compared to other personal eVTOLs in this emerging market. Take the Jetson One, for example, which weighs a little over half as much as the MC One, can carry a slightly heavier pilot, and flies up to 20 minutes on a single charge. Furthermore, it reaches a maximum speed of 102 km/h (63 mph), features a more protective-looking spaceframe, and even comes with a ballistic parachute. Despite all these advantages, the Jetson One costs only US$98,000.
The MC One also falls short when compared to the $150,000 Air One from Israel, which boasts a pop-top canopy, two seats, and the ability to transition from hovering to fast, efficient winged flight. The Air One can reach speeds up to 250 km/h (155 mph), offers an hour’s endurance, and has a maximum range of 177 km (110 miles).
In the rapidly evolving personal eVTOL market, competition is beneficial. It prompts innovation and improvement in product offerings. While the MC One may seem overpriced, it is likely that McClic will not have any difficulty finding high-net-worth individuals in Monaco willing to splurge on this aerial toy. Thus, the MC One personal eVTOL stands as a symbol of luxury in this nascent market, which is teeming with competitors striving to capture the attention of high-flying consumers.
Source: McClic
