From: mk_thisisit
The Dream of Flight Realized
The creation of a personal flying vehicle fulfills a deep human aspiration to fly freely, experiencing speed and freedom [00:00:21]. Jetson ONE aims to be “the Tesla of flying cars,” with deliveries scheduled to commence at the end of the year [00:00:37]. The mission is to transition movement from the ground to the air [00:00:44].
Creator’s Vision and Inspiration
Tomasz, the creator of what is described as the world’s first fast personal flying vehicle, loves to create and build things that bring joy, are fast, and fly [00:01:48]. He sees himself as a designer, visionary, futurist, and entrepreneur [00:01:57]. He works constantly, treating it as pleasure rather than work, driven by the ambition to make a global impact [00:02:36].
The idea for Jetson ONE wasn’t a single moment of inspiration, but rather a natural progression from years of working with flying devices like drones and remote-controlled helicopters [00:04:00]. As cameras grew larger, the need for increased cargo capacity became evident, suggesting the possibility of personal flight [00:04:17]. Early sketches from architecture school even included designs for an electric helicopter made from carbon fiber [00:04:38]. Films where groups of children built flying machines also served as significant inspiration [00:04:52].
Development Journey
The first prototype of Jetson ONE was created in Italy in 2017 [00:05:18]. This initial prototype was built quickly over three weeks from a notebook sketch, using simple aluminum profiles and basic tools [00:05:40]. It underwent initial unmanned tests with ballast [00:06:20]. Tomasz himself was “pilot zero” for the first manned flight, which took place in Pontedera, Italy [00:06:32].
The most challenging aspects of development often involved typical startup problems and ego-related issues, which Tomasz prefers not to elaborate on [00:07:12]. The early development phase involved living in the factory for months, in a formerly neglected silk factory building, which initially lacked amenities like air conditioning [00:07:45].
A significant milestone was the premiere of the first Jetson ONE film on YouTube [00:11:31]. It went viral, gaining several million views within a week, validating that the product was seen as special and imaginative, akin to science fiction, with associations to Star Wars [00:11:53].
Design and Features
The latest version of Jetson ONE includes new, more powerful engines and completely new arms made by a company that produces elements for supercars [00:15:37]. These new components are lighter, more durable, and optimized using carbon fiber, allowing for strategic fiber arrangement to achieve specific strengths [00:15:47].
Control is achieved via a simple four-axis joystick in the right hand [00:16:11]. Pushing up increases altitude, pulling down decreases it, and tilting the joystick controls forward, backward, left, or right movement [00:16:16]. If the joystick is released, Jetson ONE hovers in place [00:10:31]. Takeoff is initiated by pushing the joystick slightly upwards [00:16:34].
A red button enables automatic landing, using a radar to detect the ground [00:16:41]. This feature is intended for regular use, not just emergencies [00:16:53]. Manual landing is also possible [00:17:00]. The design philosophy is to simplify operation so that a pilot does not require extensive training like an airplane or helicopter pilot [00:17:07].
The maximum speed of the newest Jetson ONE is 102 km/h at higher altitudes [00:18:36]. However, for safety, speed at low altitudes is limited to 60 km/h, with acceleration to 102 km/h only possible when high enough to deploy a parachute [00:18:41].
Jetson ONE is designed to be resistant to weather conditions, capable of being stored outdoors and even flown in light rain, thanks to extensive sealing of delicate components [00:19:11]. Safety features include:
- A button to arm the Jetson and start propellers, ready for takeoff [00:19:35].
- A handle to launch a ballistic parachute [00:19:50].
- An on-screen display showing battery level, speed, and ceiling, with critical notifications for overheating engines or batteries [00:19:59].
- Automatic landing if the system completely overheats, with a countdown and pilot control over tilt for landing place selection [00:20:29].
Manufacturing and Location
The company utilizes 3D printers for manufacturing parts, valuing the ability to change parts daily and quickly test new designs [00:08:28]. The facility in Tuscany, Italy, was chosen for its available space, pleasant environment, and proximity to an airport for testing, allowing for a dedicated “playground” [00:09:06].
Pilot training for Jetson ONE involves a simulator, with a more advanced version in development featuring a 360-degree screen and a rotating platform to minimize biological flaws associated with VR [00:09:30]. The simulator’s software was developed in Gdynia, Poland [00:10:48].
Regulations and Market
The development from concept to a flying vehicle took approximately 6-7 years [00:20:51]. This is considered a short timeframe for the aviation sector, which typically sees long implementation periods due to stringent standards [00:21:13]. While recognizing the value of established standards, the company also approached development with a “rebel” mindset, creating based on intuition and willingness to experiment and embrace failure [00:21:41].
The market for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles is dynamic; while there were once about 250 companies in the space, this number is decreasing as many do not reach the prototype phase or commercialization [00:22:26]. Currently, Jetson is one of only two companies actively selling such products [00:23:11].
Jetson ONE has already received certification as an ultralight flying vehicle in Italy [00:23:34]. By the end of the year, it is expected to have its own unique classification category, which will open doors for sales and flights across all European Union countries [00:23:42]. With 70% of clients based in the United States, Jetson is actively seeking a suitable location there, with the Mohave Desert being a prime candidate [00:13:29]. The desert’s low humidity and stable weather make it ideal for year-round testing and innovation, aligning with its historical role as a cradle of aviation development in the U.S [00:14:37].
Future Vision
As Jetson ONE transitions into customer hands, the team anticipates a new phase where users will generate content and discover novel ways to engage with the product, expanding its recognition as a recreational vehicle [00:17:47].
The overarching mission remains to transfer movement from the ground to the air [00:24:41]. Jetson ONE is just the first step [00:24:49]. Future plans include:
- A two-person Jetson [00:24:52].
- A two-person Jetson with an exclusive, closed cabin for commuting [00:24:56].
- Subsequent models like Jetson ONE Plus, Jetson Two, and Jetson Three, each adding new capabilities [00:25:05].
Beyond Jetson, Tomasz expresses a strong desire to venture into space exploration, specifically to build rockets and lead a company that excels in their creation [00:27:18]. He views this as ambitious but achievable, akin to how the idea of creating a personal flying vehicle once seemed [00:27:31]. The U.S. is seen as the natural direction for Jetson’s development due to a different mindset and willingness to take risks [00:28:12].