The SoloTrek one-man vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air vehicle is ready for tethered hover testing now that a full-scale prototype has produced over 100% take-off power and thrust for the first time.
Sunnyvale, California-based Millennium Jet says the personal flying machine should begin preliminary flight testing by September and free hover tests before year end. The vehicle is designed to fly for up to 2h, achieving a top speed of 70kt (130km/h). It will be powered by a four-cylinder piston engine driving two counter-rotating ducted fans.
During ground power runs, the engine, drivetrain and ducted fans were run to about 105% take-off power and thrust without exceeding 75% throttle.
Source: Flight International
