The Dubai Police Department has received its first hoverbike from Calif.-based startup Hoversurf, and has begun flying lessons for officers. The vehicle can be used as a drone and piloted remotely, or ridden in the air by an officer.
The Hoverbike S3 2019 can stay in the air up to 40 minutes in drone mode, or 10 to 25 minutes with a pilot, depending on weight and flight conditions. Maximum speed is 60 mph. It is powered by a hybrid INR battery with a 12.3-kWh capacity, and it can be charged in 2.5 hours without removing the battery.
The recommended flight altitude is 16 feet above the ground, but the pilot can adjust the height limit.
Two crews are currently training to pilot the hoverbike. Hoversurf’s COO told CNN that ideal candidates to pilot the vehicle are officers who can ride a motorcycle with drone operating experiences.
Hoversurf shared the following video of Dubai Police getting a flying lesson.
