From: mk_thisisit
The Jetson ONE is presented as the realization of humanity’s ancient dream of flight, allowing individuals to experience speed and freedom in the air [00:00:21]. Its creator envisions Jetson as “the Tesla of flying cars” [00:00:37]. Deliveries are projected to begin at the end of 2023 [00:00:38]. The overarching mission of the company is to shift personal movement from the ground to the air [00:00:43].
Inspiration and Genesis
The concept for the Jetson ONE was not a singular moment of inspiration, but rather a culmination of years of working with flying devices like drones and remote-controlled helicopters [00:04:00]. The creator had a company for over a decade that specialized in aerial photography and filmmaking, where cameras and cargo needs grew, making it “obvious” that self-flight would eventually be possible [00:04:12]. Ideas for personal electric helicopters were sketched during architecture studies [00:04:38], and several films about kids building flying machines also served as inspiration [00:04:52].
Early Prototypes and First Flight
The first prototype of the Jetson ONE was created in Italy in 2017 [00:05:18]. This initial prototype was constructed in two weeks, starting from a notebook sketch [00:05:46]. It utilized simple materials like aluminum profiles and was assembled with basic hobby tools [00:05:58]. The first unmanned flights involved adding ballast [00:06:20]. The very first manned flight was undertaken by the creator himself in Pontedera, Italy, which hosts the headquarters of the company [00:06:34].
Development Challenges
The development process, while enjoyable, also presented difficulties. The creator notes “typical startup problems” and “ego problems” as the most challenging aspects [00:07:15]. The early workshop in Italy was a neglected silk factory where the creator lived for several months, enduring conditions without air conditioning [00:07:45].
Manufacturing and Technology
The development and production process heavily utilizes 3D printers for parts [00:08:28]. The creator embraces this technology for its flexibility, allowing parts to be changed and tested daily [00:08:44]. The Jetson ONE’s arms are made from optimized carbon fiber by a company that also produces elements for supercars, making them lighter and more durable [00:15:45].
Pilot Training and Control
To prepare future pilots, a simulator is used, with a more advanced version featuring a 360-degree screen currently under development [00:09:30]. The simulator helps build “muscle memory” despite the Jetson ONE’s intuitive control system [00:10:03]. The Jetson ONE is controlled by a single four-axis joystick: pushing up increases altitude, pulling down decreases it, and tilting forward/backward moves the vehicle [00:16:16]. A slight upward push initiates takeoff automatically [00:16:34]. A key safety feature is that releasing the joystick causes the Jetson ONE to hover in place [00:10:31]. The software for the simulator’s system was developed in Gdynia, Poland [00:10:48].
Key Milestones and Recognition
One of the most significant moments was the premiere of the first Jetson ONE film on YouTube [00:11:31]. The film went viral within a week, gaining millions of views, far exceeding expectations of 20-50 clients [00:11:40]. This demonstrated that people saw something special in it, beyond just another gadget, that “worked on the imagination on a larger scale” [00:12:12]. The visual appeal of the vehicle flying over the Błędowska Desert, evoking associations with science fiction and Star Wars, contributed to its virality [00:12:23].
Technical Specifications and Safety Features
The current version of the Jetson ONE features new, more powerful engines and optimized carbon fiber arms [00:15:37]. Top speed:
- At higher altitudes, it can reach 102 km/h [00:18:36].
- At lower altitudes (near the ground), the speed is capped at 60 km/h for safety [00:18:53].
Safety features:
- Automatic Landing: A red button on the joystick initiates an automatic landing, with the Jetson ONE detecting the ground using radar [00:16:44].
- Weather Resistance: The Jetson ONE is designed to be resistant to weather conditions, capable of standing outside and even flying in light rain [00:19:11].
- Pilot Information Display: A screen provides critical information, including battery level, speed, and ceiling. It also displays notifications for overheating engines or batteries, prompting the pilot to reduce aggression or land [00:19:59].
- Forced Automatic Landing: If the system overheats, the Jetson ONE will initiate an automatic landing after a countdown, though the pilot retains control over the tilt to choose a landing spot [00:20:29].
- Ballistic Parachute: A handle triggers a ballistic parachute [00:19:50].
Regulatory Challenges and Future
The development of the Jetson ONE spanned from late 2017 to early 2018 [00:20:57]. While this is a relatively short period for the aviation sector, the creator adopted a “rebel” approach, initially not adhering to traditional aviation standards, but later learning that some standards are valuable [00:21:37].
The company is currently one of only two in the world selling this type of product [00:23:14]. In Italy, the Jetson ONE has already received certification as an ultralight flying vehicle [00:23:34]. By the end of the year, Jetson ONE is expected to have its own classification category, which will open doors for sales and flights across all European Union countries [00:23:42].
Looking ahead, the company’s mission is to continue the development and future of urban air mobility, ultimately transferring human movement from the ground to the air [00:24:41]. Future plans include:
- A two-person Jetson [00:24:52].
- A two-person Jetson with an exclusive closed cockpit for commuting [00:24:56].
- Planned models such as Jetson ONE Plus and Jetson 3, each introducing new features [00:25:05].
The United States is seen as the natural direction for Jetson’s development due to a different mindset, where people are more willing to take risks [00:28:12]. The Mohave Desert is particularly appealing as a location for further development, serving as a historical “cradle of aviation” due to its low humidity and stable weather, which prevent corrosion and allow for year-round innovation [00:14:33].
Vision Beyond Jetson ONE
Beyond the Jetson ONE, the creator expresses a strong desire to engage with the subject of space, aiming to build rockets and lead a company that excels in rocket construction [00:27:18]. This ambition mirrors the perceived audacity of creating a flying vehicle just seven years prior [00:27:34].