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TECH

Dubai Police start training on flying motorbikes

By Ben Mullins

November 20, 2018 - A flying motorcycle developed by California-based startup Hoversurf is being used to train police officers in Dubai, with the aim of helping first responder units to access hard-to-reach areas.

The Hoverbike, dubbed Scorpion 3, is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, consisting of a carbon fibre frame supporting four propellers. The pilot, assisted by a flight computer, controls the machine using two joysticks which allow for changes in direction and altitude.

According to Hoversurf, the vehicle has a top speed of more than 90km/h and can fly for up to 25 minutes with a pilot, or 40 minutes in drone mode. Battery recharge time is 2.5 hours.

Other features include an emergency landing capability and laser all-weather LiDAR for navigating obstacles.

The Scorpion 3 qualifies as an ultralight under U.S. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules, which means it can be flown without a pilot’s license.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 22/11/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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