DailyDirt: Really Flying Or Just Hovering?

Not too long ago, we mentioned some hoverboards that don't really hover at all. But there actually are several examples of hovering devices that can transport people short distances. None of these contraptions are particularly practical means of transportation, but maybe when Mr. Fusion generators can supply enough energy, we'll all be hovering/flying around everywhere.

• A Guinness World Record for the "Farthest hoverboard flight" has been set by Franky Zapata at a distance of 2,252 meters (7,388 feet). Zapata rode a Flyboard Air, developed by Zapata's own company, and he set the record at an altitude of about 150 feet in the air -- although the aircraft can reach a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet (and a maximum speed of 93 mph). [url]
• ArcaSpace's ArcaBoard is a hovering platform that produces 430 pounds of thrust from 36 electric fans that can lift a person about a foot off the ground. It's a bit pricey at just under $20,000 -- but it works over nearly any surface, including water (unlike the Back To The Future hoverboards or hoverboards that rely on some kind of magnetic levitation tricks). [url]
• Colin Furze has constructed a homemade hoverbike in his garage, and it kinda works. There's no steering or brakes, but it does hover in place for a bit before drifting off in whichever direction the rider leans toward. (We've previously pointed out a slightly better design called the F-bike of a similar concept, using multicopters.) [url]

After you've finished checking out those links, take a look at our Daily Deals for cool gadgets and other awesome stuff.

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