May 11, 2021
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According to the Robb Report, Subaru has filed a patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for a motorcycle model with land-to-air capabilities – or, in other words, a flying motorcycle. Essentially, it would allow two-wheel motor vehicles to also function as a helicopter or plane with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities.
Based on the wording and imagery included in the application, the novel design will essentially be a motorcycle pushed into a small one-person airplane. On the ground, the bike’s wings will be tucked on the sides, and when taking off, they will spread outwards while propelling the vehicle off the ground. Despite the idea sounding like something out of a science fiction movie, Subaru may be considering making it a reality.
The patent application also describes the flying vehicle being powered by an internal combustion engine, unlike most of the new vertical take off and landing aircrafts using electricity as a main source of power. At the moment, Subaru representatives have not provided any comment.
For now, we can only wait, and imagine what the future may look like with Subaru’s flying motorcycles skipping traffic on the way home.
Authors: Awale Deria and Scott Kerr