Latest Toy: One-Man Helicopter

treble writes, "Of course the military has had these playthings for ages, but The New York Times is running an AP story about a Japanese 'Compact Copter' for general consumption. It's become my newest wish-I-could-afford-it toy. The coolest things of note: No license required in the U.S., and top speed of 60 mph. Imagine a swarm of these things rising in the air for rush hour commute." All I can say is that the traffic jams would be ... interesting.

Comments

Traffic Jams

[BlueGecko]

All I can say is that the traffic jams would be... interesting.

Given that if you had to wait too long you'd fall like a brick, I'm not sure "interesting" is the word I'd use.

Traffic Guy: You'd better not head over to the West Side unless you've got a lot of fuel, because...well, shit, there goes one now.

Exposed blades make me nervous...

[XNormal]

The following designs use ducted fans:

• Hummingbird flying platform
  
• The Moller
  
• Hiller Flying platform
  
• SkyRider
  

For more information why ducted fans are a good idea for reasons other than safety see this article.


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Neat toy

[HerrGlock]

Someone already mentioned the lack of autorotational capability. Dual engines would almost be mandatory. Retreating blade stall would be a non-issue with 6' blades and a top speed of 60mph. Counter rotating blades have proven themselves already in a few designs out there. Nice "toy" but I wouldn't want to depend on it for my living. I'd much prefer a cage of some kind for minor things like birds and bugs (ever stuck your head out a car window @60 mph and gotten a bug in the eye or mouth?) The good thing it that it's MUCH cheaper than a Bell 206. I wonder how long it will take before it's regulated to death "for our own safety." Big ol' knobby tires might make roll-on landings more interesting as hovering takes a LOT of gas. "Honey?? All the other guys have one..."