Imagine a fleet of those statiioned at a M*A*S*H unit...

A machine like this, able to carry one man, might be very useful for rescuing downed pilots in a warzone.

If they still have manned aircraft in a warzone when they get the thing flying.

Then where are the girls? No self respecting bike manufacturer previews a new model of bike without at least one semi naked bird on or near the bike. Two guys in overalls? It won't sell.

This is all very well as a technology demonstrator or a local site runabout. However, for practical field use, the provision of green 'string' support and guide ways will be a cost and logistics nightmare. (I assume they are made of fluorescent carbon fibre or similar material....)

Hovvering death-dealing speeder? Count me in. I want one with frickin' laser beams on it though...

Sorry but the only flying bike that should be allowed is the lawmaster from Judge dredd, all other attempts should be put in the bin.

mines the one with the belly wheel, ugly cream, bat glider suit, and too much time on his hands in the pocket.

oh and Paris, beacuse if I were a Judge she could play with my helmet any time

Given the need to keep weight to an absolute minimum, there's no possibility of hardening this puppy against ground fire. Likewise, once you put a person in it, you remove the capability to kill people from a safe (though not safe for the intended target - or any unfortunates around them) distance.

While it may be faster than walking, at least the infantry has the ability to hide behind things if they come under fire - not much chance of that where there's nothing but air all around you.

That essentially rules out it's use in a combat zone. So you've not left with many opportunities where a good old jeep, or helo wouldn't do a better job faster.

How the blazes d'you pedal THAT?

Just call it a speeder and be done with it.

Oh, and where's my flying car icon?

..has a 'bike' retailer not had skantily clad, nubile women drapped across the said product!!

Pst.. not very knowledgable on the ol' marketing styles, eh?

Along with a pillion seat for carrying crumpet back to the pad.

I'd also like a little more control, after all whats the fun in auto pilot?

A good first attempt, Oh and whats the top speed?

I'd buy that for a dollar!

...I think they have been watching too much sci-fi. That thing must make a hell of a noise not to mention big clouds of dust. What happens over water, hot/cold environments with poor lift?

And everything these days is made for "special forces", what about the regulars, you can't make an impractical machine seem more attractive by sticking with "its for the special forces...silly" all the time. It doesn't wash.

...Return Of The Jedi!

I want.

Steven R

it could chop a lot of carrots very quickly.

PH as she can handle her carrots.

so paint it black and add some chrome, and some leather tassels off its handlebars!

I find the idea of a hardened Special Forces type shoehorned into one of these, hundreds of feet off the ground with his eyes screwed tightly shut and all the while muttering "ohshitihopeitdoesn'tgowrong" quite amusing.

I would have throught the fan area even with three fans was a bit small for decent lift, it looks like it would struggl to get airborn with a fully-kitted supergrunt and a decent fuel load. The idea of it as an unmanned rescue vehicle for downed pilots is much more likely given the number of choppers and crews lost by the Yanks in such rescues. Instead of having to assemble a force of rescue choppers, gunships and support aircraft to penetrate enemy airspace and secure an airfield, you simply have a number of airtrikes sitting ready to go at a forward strip. The moment the pilot ejects, you send the airtrike to home in on his rescue beacon, and you could probably have him back just about as soon as he hits the ground. The idea that you could drag yourself aboard and press a button to get going back to base would appeal to injured pilots. You could even send a few other airtrikes as decoys, and maybe divert some Reapers to loiter in the area and shoot-up any enemy forces that try to intervene, all without risking any other aircrew.

Sounds better for helping with mountain and canyon rescue in non-combat situations.

Also, just think: aerial killbot delivers terrestrial killbot to battle, then soften targets for the advance.

Unfortunately, a well-equipped person who's not under fire could also mean a man with a well-zoomed video camera and radio for police-state surveillance.

If they can get it to work, will it be licensed like a Reliant so 17-year old kids can drive it?

Looks like the broke into George's garage

Where are the complimentary Droids?

Almost as cool as the Manta Hoverbike from Unreal Tournament 2004, and UT3. Now if I can just get one with some cool guns and get it to "Pancake" People then I'll be a happy bunny :D