A single person drone, piloted by a human, flies over the rugged slopes of Mt. Lubań in Poland and reaches the 3,973ft peak in under 4 minutes. This is not science fiction – it’s the Jetson ONE, a battery powered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) craft that will change the way we navigate the world.
Built by a Swedish startup, the Jetson ONE is a marvel of miniaturization. Weighing 190 pounds and powered by 8 electric motors it can carry a 220 pound person at speeds of over 60mph. The aluminum frame and carbon fiber body is strong without being heavy, with the battery lasting about 20 minutes. It’s simple to use, as no pilot’s license is required in the US, due to it being classified as an ultralight.
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This was more than just a stunt. Jetson Aero’s test tackled a real challenge: accessing remote mountain areas where helicopters and cars fail. From the valley the craft took off, reached the summit and landed in under 4 minutes – much faster than a rescue team could hike or drive.
Building such a machine is not easy but Jetson Aero has taken on the challenge. The autonomous landing system shown in the Mt. Lubań video ensures smooth landings even in windy conditions. The flight control software adapts instantly to turbulence and outperforms less advanced systems. Battery life limited to 20 minutes restricts range but modular battery swaps are in development to extend flights. Safety is paramount with redundant motors and a ballistic parachute as failsafes.
The $150,000 price tag makes the Jetson ONE a niche product. The first production run has sold out to thrill seekers and organizations looking at its rescue potential. In Italy, it’s certified as an ultralight eVTOL, enabling flights nationwide – a regulatory milestone that could open up the market. Scaling production and reducing costs will be key to reaching beyond early adopters but the Jetson ONE is already proving its concept.
