In May 2025, a stunning video titled “Volonaut Airbike – Official Launch” began circulating online, leaving viewers either awestruck or skeptical. The footage showcased a sleek, bike-like aerial vehicle—without wheels—gliding gracefully across desolate plains, split by a shimmering turquoise river and backed by hills. It looked straight out of a Star Wars scene, and for many, it felt too good to be true.
But here’s the surprise: it’s real.
Meet the Mind Behind the Machine
At the heart of this jaw-dropping invention is Tomasz Patan, the same visionary who co-founded Jetson and introduced the world to the Jetson ONE—a personal electric aerial vehicle that continues to stun enthusiasts years after its release.
Naturally, many assumed the Airbike was another electric vehicle. But uncertainty arose as skeptics pointed out a lack of technical detail and the ease with which realistic videos can now be faked using AI-generated CGI. Volonaut’s own website didn’t offer much clarity, only fueling the speculation.
So, Is the Airbike Real?
Yes, it is.
Fans of personal flight tech will recognize a growing list of real-world aerial devices once thought impossible:
- The jet suit by Richard Browning
- The Flyboard Air by Franky Zapata
- The jet-powered wingsuit by Yves Rossy
All have been publicly demonstrated, and the Volonaut Airbike proudly joins their ranks.
How Does It Actually Work?
Over the last decade, small turbine jet engines—originally developed for RC model aircraft—have advanced dramatically. With the drone industry booming, these compact turbines found a new frontier.
One plausible power source for the Airbike is something like the TJ80-120 turbine. Weighing only 13 kg, it can deliver 1,200 newtons of thrust, enough to lift around 120 kg. If the pilot weighs roughly 80 kg, that leaves about 40 kg for:
- The turbine
- Fuel and fuel control systems
- Thrust control mechanisms
- The frame of the Airbike itself
Ultra-Light, Ultra-Fast
According to Volonaut, the Airbike is made of fiber composites and is seven times lighter than a regular motorcycle. The design is minimalist yet high-performance:
- A single turbine jet encased in the body
- A top-mounted fuel tank
- Handlebar controls
- Landing skids
That’s it. No fancy wings, rotors, or excess tech. Just raw, aerodynamic efficiency.
Why You Won’t See It in Traffic (Yet)
Despite its jaw-dropping visuals and innovative design, the Airbike faces one major hurdle: noise.
Jet turbines are incredibly loud, making them impractical for urban or everyday transport—at least for now. But niche applications are promising:
- Emergency response in hard-to-reach or disaster-struck areas
- Recreational flying in Class G airspace (uncontrolled zones with relaxed air traffic rules)
The Future: One Big Jet > Many Small Ones
From what we’ve seen across the small jet-powered flight industry, using a single, larger turbine often results in better:
- Thrust-to-weight ratios
- Fuel efficiency
- Simplicity of control
Looking ahead, advancements in noise-reducing tech like acoustic liners and aerogels could make machines like the Airbike quieter—and more practical.
Final Thoughts
The Volonaut Airbike represents more than just a cool gadget—it’s a glimpse into the future of personal aviation. While we’re not quite at the flying-car stage of The Jetsons, inventors like Tomasz Patan are pushing the envelope, turning sci-fi dreams into functional, flyable reality.