A new vehicle has hit the market, and if you want something that can both hit the trails and also fly then the SkyRunner vehicle might be for you.
According to SkyRunner, the dual purpose vehicle is FAA approved and features a dual engine powertrain that includes a trusted Polaris ProStar 1000 engine for on-road power and a Rotax 914 UL light-sport aircraft engine to allow the SkyRunner to take flight. According to the company, the SkyRunner can reach speeds of 40 mph for a distance of 120 nautical miles in the air. When not in use, the wing can fold into a bag and is secured just behind the rear passenger. The company also says it can cover roughly 240 miles of terrain on a full tank.
The SkyRunner features a hybrid composite chassis, with carbon-fiber body paneling and fighter jet-inspired cockpit. Fox Piggyback shocks are employed for the SkyRunner to soak up the bumps on the trail, with Maxxis Bighorn tires helping to provide traction. The company also says it doesn’t need an asphalt runway either, as it can take off with only 450 feet of ground space.
“We set out to build the ultimate adventure vehicle but have since discovered it fills tremendous gaps as a tool,” said SkyRunner CEO Stewart Hamel. “Designed initially as a toy, the market has translated SkyRunner to be a low cost, high utility multimodal tool for ranchers, law enforcement, boarder security, and even department of defense agencies. With operating costs of approximately $50 an hour, SkyRunner will take you places no pickup truck or UTV can go and at a fraction of the cost of a helicopter.”
According to a recent press release, SkyRunner says it was awarded the Special Light-Sport Aircraft classification by the FAA last year, which is typically targeted at recreational pilots who primarily fly for fun. LSA’s are designed to be affordable and easy to operate.
SKyRunner says that a Sport Pilot’s license can be earned in eight days and just 12 hours of flight training (weather permitting). Sport pilots can legally and safely use 98 percent of US airspace without having to talk to air traffic controllers (ATC), and airports are not required to fly the machine.
The SkyRunner isn’t exactly cheap though, with a retail price of $139K. For more information, head over to the company’s website at www.flyskyrunner.com/buy-now.
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