Aircraft

The 70 kg US$39,000 FlyNano Electric Microlight

The 70 kg US$39,000 FlyNano Electric Microlight
An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
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An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
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An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
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An artist's impression of the FlyNano at play
The FlyNano on display at Friedrichshafen
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The FlyNano on display at Friedrichshafen
The electric version of the FlyNano
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The electric version of the FlyNano
The petrol version of the FlyNano
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The petrol version of the FlyNano
The racing version of the FlyNano
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The racing version of the FlyNano
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Finnish aeronautical engineer Aki Suokas launched a remarkable new single-seat aircraft this week at Aero Friedrichshafen. The FlyNano is made entirely of carbon fiber composite, lands and takes off on water, and weighs just 70 kilograms ready to fly. Three variants are available: a 20kW electric-only version, and petrol-engined 24 bhp and 35 bhp models, the latter proposed as a racing version. The Flynano tops out at over 140 km/h, with a service ceiling of 3 km. If you think that's remarkable, the most expensive of the three variants ex-factory and ex-VAT is just EUR 27,000 (US$39,000) and deliveries begin three months from now.

The FlyNano's wingspan is nearly five meters, it has a maximum take off weight of 200 kg and it has a speed range of 70 km/h to 140 km/h. FlyNano's true airspeed is about 140 km/h at 75% power with a theoretical operational distance of 70 kilometers.

The almost exclusive use of carbon fiber has enabled the Flynano to come in at under the magic 70 kg weight limit which determines how a new plane is legally classified. In this class in most jurisdictions, there's no license required and a minimum of red tape. Of course there's no passenger and no luggage, but it already rates as a breakthrough in aviation cost-performance.

Though the electric version has a limited range of 40 kilometers, the low speed torque and minimal vibration of the electric motor enables the low-speed four-blade prop to be whisper quiet, ensuring you'll get no complaints from the neighbors.

A transferable buy option will get you a place in the 2011 delivery queue at EUR 900 (US$1300), with 30% payable on delivery confirmation and the remainder prior to delivery. There's also an optional purpose-built trailer and storage box for the Flynano which retails for EUR 5,300 (US$7,700).

View gallery - 6 images
32 comments
32 comments
Andrew Kennedy
OMG. Jetskis and now this. I want one. I trust myself it\'s just I don\'t trust all the other b.....s out there. Mayhem.
Roger W.
Extraordinary CLAIMS (weight/power/performance/delivery date) by a \'company\' that shows only \'artist conceptions\' drawings. No VIDEO of a FLYING craft, or even a PICTURE of a completed prototype; but they are SELLING \'options\' to BUY.
Sounds too good to be TRUE; perhaps a little more \'journalistic research\' is due, before touting this revolutionary \'AIRCRAFT\'!!!!!!! Until they show someone actually willing to \'risk their life\', AND flying this thing; they won\'t get any of my money!
Emery Temple
I just hope for the guy in the pictures sake, that none of the propeller blades ever breaks off.
schmoe90
Roger, it\'s being shown at Friedrichshafen this week:

http://www.eaa.org/news/2011/2011-04-14_aero.asp
Chris Maresca
@roger w
http://www.gizmag.com/flynano-microlight-aircraft/18411/picture/133136/
Picture #3 in the article - fullscale version.....
Matt Dana
@ Roger W: Speaking of doing your research... here\'s a photo of a completed prototype. http://www.gizmag.com/flynano-microlight-aircraft/18411/picture/133136/
Wombat56
Tiny propeller, or is that just for the display model?
Michael Mantion
Can we take a break from beating up roger for a moment? I did appreciate the article and I think it is perfectly valid to be skeptical of the claims. I too would like a video of it at least moving on the ground. The article claims \"deliveries begin three months from now\".. I am sorry but I couldn\'t figure out the name of the company or a website for them.
I was very confused about the article. I mean its cool, but why talk about price and delivery dates.. If this posted 2 weeks ago it clearly would of been an april fools joke..
Michael Mantion
http://www.flynano.com/
I found their website, almost no information. I have to wonder if this is some scam? Make a prototype that doesn\'t actually do anything, take deposits on orders, maybe find some suckers to invest in the company and then run with the money.
Roger W.
Sorry, sure didn\'t see that photo at 04:41 PDT this morning (probably before my morning coffee). The \'operable\' word is \"shown at Friedrichshafen\", not FLOWN; since their Maiden Flight is not even scheduled for several weeks yet (according to an EAA article) \"The maiden flight is planned in a few weeks.\" http://www.eaa.org/news/2011/2011-04-14_aero.asp Sounds a bit \'fishy\', since they state they will be making deliveries in three months, and are taking \'options to purchase\' for %u20AC900 on their website, already....without an actual manned flight.
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