The 25th annual MSPO 2017, an international defense industry exhibition took place on September 4th 2017 in Kielce, Poland. The event showcased products for land, sea, and air defense including technological equipment, weapons systems, missiles, tanks, guided weapons, and much more.
There was one specific vehicle that seemed to grab all the attention at the exhibition. It was a camo colored hoverbike dubbed the Raptor by Projekt Hoverbike. The Raptor, an optionally-manned system based on the Star Wars Speeder, will make an appearance at the 2017 Dubai Airshow in November 2017. Shephard News writes that the Raptor could have a military variant for such roles as search and rescue.
Defence shows and exhibitions often showcase unexpected platforms or designs to the visiting public and VIPs, occasionally presenting a system or technology that flies in the face of convention.
The MSPO show has provided the platform for what could be this year’s most off-beat display, one that developers said was inspired by a particularly popular science fiction saga.
Projekt Hoverbike is showcasing its eponymous optionally-manned system, dubbed the Raptor, the first prototype of which was completed two months ago.
It is the first time that the Hoverbike has been shown in public, according to Marcin Karwat, sales director at Projekt Hoverbike. The system is also expected to be on display at the Dubai Air Show later this year.
‘We have been making our team, [introducing] engineers, aeronautical specialists and for the past three years [we have been] working on the design. Two months ago we built our first prototype.’
The engine and propulsion system, which itself as a modified Hayabusa motorcycle engine, produces 600kg of lift. With the weight of the platform coming in at 400kg due in part to its composite frame and shell, leaving a potential payload and pilot weight of 200kg.
‘We have been testing the engines, checking all the systems. Initial demand will be from people who want it for fun but there are also military roles such as search and rescue.’
‘We are also working on a two-person model, which will have more power, which could be used for special operations.’
The Hoverbike optionally-manned capability could see it flying to a location to pick up an individual and returning to source. An initial production run can be initiated to meet market demand, added Karwat.
‘We can produce five devices per month for the market. We will see [about potential customers].’
Hoverbike-type concepts have been developed by a number of industrial and military parties, such as the US Army Research Laboratory and Malloy Aeronautics’ unmanned platform.
Source: Shephard News
Steve Schneider
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