French Franky Zapata Unveils a New Flying Machine

The inventor will offer the public the opportunity to participate in an experimental campaign in the United States.

Three years after successfully crossing the English Channel on his Flyboard Air, French inventor Franky Zapata unveils his latest creation: an aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

The craft, named JetRacer, is propelled by 10 turbojet engines. It has already completed a demonstration flight over Lake Berre (Bouches-du-Rhône), with Franky Zapata at the controls.

Under development for about three years, the JetRacer can fly at an altitude of 3,000 meters, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. As admitted by its creator, it needs to be refueled quite frequently, but that was the price paid for having something fast and maneuverable.

Elements such as the control system and electrical power supply have been duplicated to ensure pilot safety in case of malfunction. The JetRacer can also continue its flight with two defective thrusters. Additionally, it is capable of facing strong winds and can perform autonomous flights.

According to its inventor, this aircraft is not just a recreational gadget. It could also have a future in the military sector, for reconnaissance flights, for example. Emergency doctors could also use it for rapid intervention in hard-to-reach areas.

What if you tested Franky Zapata’s JetRacer?

Franky Zapata now plans to launch a testing campaign in the United States. The Frenchman has even decided to open this new phase of the project to the general public. He invites interested participants to submit their applications online. Initially, 100 people will be randomly selected. From this group, 25 individuals will then be chosen to participate in the tests. Franky Zapata assured that handling the JetRacer is quite straightforward.

The price of the JetRacer has not been disclosed, but commercial sales to individuals are not scheduled for now. The French inventor, however, is working on other vehicles that could be produced on a larger scale.

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