The eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) market has been steadily gaining attention as companies race to offer personal flying vehicles. One standout in this field is the Jetson One, a compact, single-pilot aircraft that operates like a large multicopter drone. Jetson’s founder, Tomasz Patan, has recently demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the Jetson One, pushing its limits in terms of agility and control. His latest flight video reveals just how maneuverable this eVTOL aircraft can be, offering a glimpse into the future of personal air transportation.
The Jetson One: An overview
The Jetson One is a lightweight eVTOL aircraft designed for personal use, making it stand out in a field dominated by larger and more complex flying vehicles. Weighing just 115 kilograms (253 pounds), it is small, compact, and relatively easy to operate. The aircraft is powered by a battery that allows it to fly for around 20 minutes, depending on various factors like speed, weight, and wind conditions.
Designed to carry pilots weighing up to 95 kilograms (210 pounds), the Jetson One can reach altitudes “above 1,500 feet” (457 meters) and achieves a top speed of 102 km/h (63 mph) in level flight. While 20 minutes of flight time may seem short, it is a reasonable range for personal recreational use or quick transport over short distances.
Automated flight control system
One of the key features that makes the Jetson One so remarkable is its advanced flight control system. Similar to multicopter drones, which rely on sophisticated software to manage multiple rotors, the Jetson One uses a sensor-equipped flight control system to handle stability and safety in the air. This system controls motor speeds and makes real-time adjustments to keep the aircraft stable, even in challenging conditions like wind gusts.
The automated system also ensures that pilots, even those with limited flying experience, can take off, hover, and land smoothly. It employs LiDAR-enabled terrain tracking, which detects the surrounding environment and obstacles, such as trees or uneven ground. This helps the aircraft navigate safely by preventing collisions or dangerous situations.
Dynamic flight demonstration
Most early demonstrations of the Jetson One showcased relatively cautious flying, which is understandable given the novelty of this kind of personal eVTOL. However, recent footage of Patan flying the Jetson One is far from careful or reserved. In the latest video, he executes sharp turns and rapid maneuvers, pushing the limits of the aircraft’s capabilities.
What’s impressive is not just the agility of the aircraft but how stable it remains during these maneuvers. The flight control system quickly compensates for sudden changes in direction, maintaining a low altitude and preventing the eVTOL from destabilizing. According to Patan, the Jetson One is designed to be “safe and fun to fly,” and his flight demonstrations certainly reinforce that message.
Affordability and market availability
One of the selling points of the Jetson One is that it is marketed as “the first affordable eVTOL on the market.” While affordability is a relative term in the world of personal aircraft, the Jetson One is priced at $128,000 per unit (excluding taxes), making it one of the more accessible options for those interested in personal air travel. However, calling it “affordable” may still be a stretch for most consumers, given the price tag.
Moreover, the demand for the Jetson One has been significant. Jetson has already sold out its entire production runs for both 2024 and 2025, meaning that even if you have the money and the interest, you’ll need to wait several years before you can get your hands on one. This high demand speaks to the growing interest in personal eVTOL vehicles, even at premium prices.
Future of personal air mobility
The Jetson One is not just a novelty; it represents a potential shift in how people could travel in the near future. While the technology is still in its early stages, and the current flight time limits its practicality, the concept of personal flying vehicles is gradually moving from science fiction to reality.
The recent video of Patan’s dynamic flying showcases how far the Jetson One has come since its early prototypes. It’s clear that as the technology matures, we can expect more exciting developments in the personal eVTOL space. For now, though, the Jetson One stands out as one of the most accessible and innovative examples of this emerging field.
Source: Jetson
