‘Flying jetski’ is on top of the wave at World Future Energy Summit
Electric buses, cars and taxis designed by Masdar City, Tesla, Lexus and Nissan were not the only vehicles on show at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this week.
One of the more eye-catching designs was the one-man mini seaplane, designed by Finnish company Flynano.
With a top speed of 120kph, and a ceiling 150 metres, the aircraft is not for the faint hearted.
Described as a flying jetski by the company’s designer, it is expected to retail at about €85,000 (Dh381,600) when the final test flights are completed this year.
The craft is aimed at the motor sport market and the price is expected to fall once it is mass produced.
“I came up with the design with a friend in 2005,” said the Flynano’s designer Aki Suokas, 63, a Finn who has dedicated much of his life to work in the aviation industry.
“We tried to come up with the coolest idea of a vehicle that was not already available. It is sustainable as it runs on electricity and the battery it uses has been tested over time to be effective.
“It is made for having fun and adventure, and can be used depending on the skill and experience of the pilot.”
The Flynano takes off and lands on water. It is made from carbon fibre and can fly for about 12 minutes without needing a recharge. That takes about an hour although spare batteries can be easily fitted for longer flights.
The classification falls below all existing aircraft classes in the EU so the pilot does not need a licence.
Mr Suokas said it could fly over land but the aircraft was much safer over water, with the user controlling it by a joystick and flight pedals.
“It’s not a good idea to charge it near water but it is safe to use,” said Mr Suokas. “It is similar to a seaplane and is going through our flight test programme.
“We’ve had a couple of prototypes but this is very similar to the original design.”