Visitors at the GITEX Technology Week were thrilled after UAE’s Etisalat unveiled its flying motorcycle at the World Trade Centre in Dubai.
“With an 8-cylinder engine, four jet turbines, and in just 60 seconds, you can ride Lazareth Switch from driving mode to flight mode.” Etisalat announced on Monday via its official Twitter account.
GITEX Technology Week was inaugurated in Dubai on Sunday and runs until October 10.
Lazareth LM847 is a 5G-powered 4-wheel tilting motorcycle, powered by a 5.2 litre Maserati V8 engine that delivers 470 brake horse power (bhp).
France’s BFM TV earlier reported that the bike weighs 140 kg and makes about 240 kg of thrust in flight mode. The Lazareth team is expected to launch pre-orders during GITEX 2019 at a price tag of €496,000 (US$560,000).
The Moto Volante flying motorcycle, created by Ludovic Lazareth, combines 96,000-revolutions per minute (rpm) JetCat jet turbines and hydraulic actuators that take the vehicle off the road and into the air. Earlier reports also said that two extra jets can be added near the middle of the chassis to handle more weight.
According to Lazareth, the flying motorcycle can convert from a regular motorbike to fly mode in approximately 60 seconds. All it needs is the press of a button, which activates the transition gradually heating the jets for lift off. Lazareth has been able to hover-tested the bike on tethers to a height of one metre.
Source: Gulf News
