Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s the Dubai police force whizzing around on their swanky flying bikes.
The daring officers have been filmed training on the futuristic vehicles during a flying lesson reminiscent of some space-age Quidditch match.
It is hoped the S3 2019 hoverbike, developed by innovative California tech firm Hoversurf, will help police to access hard-to-reach areas; attending to emergencies and crimescenes from the air.
Weighing in at 253 pounds, these nifty, battery-powered hoverbikes can zoom around for approximately 40 minutes at a time before needing a re-charge. One thing is for sure, these look like criminally good fun…
This incredible device can soar to dizzying heights of up to 16 feet in the air; reaching speeds of 60mph using their three-bladed propellers.
It is anticipated the S3 2019 hoverbike will be good to go by 2020, bringing many a futuristic crime-fighting movie to life. I for one am getting some serious Star Wars vibes…
Hoversurf chief operating officer Joseph Segura-Conn told CNN:
Currently we have two crews already training (to pilot the hoverbike) and we’re increasing the number.
He continued to explain how the Dubai police force now have the exclusive rights to order as many flying bikes as they need: :
They’re going to let us know in the next month or two if they’d like any more … If they would like 30 or 40, we’ll make it happen for them.
A description on the Hoversurf website reads:
By combining our custom built flight controller, the most innovative composite material processes and having a dedicated team we were able to achieve something truly amazing.
We presented the S3 2019 to the Dubai Police at this years GITEX 2018 where it will now be integrated into there fleet of futuristic vehicles.
Both Hoversurf and Dubai Police understand that this is just the begging to something much larger.
A partnership were both see the future is within our grasp and that together we can materialize the human dream of personal flight.
Daredevil civilians can also get in on the action, but it will set you back a pretty penny plus you will be screened to make sure you are capable of flying it.
The bike can be purchased for $150,000 (£114,000), so by all means pop it on your list to Father Christmas but maybe be prepared to settle for an exercise bike from Argos instead.
Rather handily, this vehicle can reportedly be easily parked in your regular parking spot, so could actual be quite practical for your big Tesco shop?
I would absolutely love a go on one of these things, but I must admit, the prospect of those huge, exposed blades whirring away at neck height do make me feel a tad nervous.
It’s difficult to imagine these contraptions swooshing around the streets, sirens blaring. But remember, once upon a time, human beings would have been shocked at the prospect of flying in an airplane.
Could we be living through a new, excitement chapter in aviation history?
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.