Another Faustian RPA deal, Flyboard Air to go black
The remotely piloted aircraft world is full of technology created for civil purposes that end up being used by the military.
A great example is the Scan Eagle originally a fishing tool. It was to be sent out to look for Tuna. A high-value catch. We all know what happened next. Boeing went fishing for Insitu.
French startup Zapata Racing is preparing to sell out its Flyboard Air to a US military supplier. I hope that the license for the autopilot inside permits military use. If its the one I think it is, I don’t think it does. They might have created their own, but a little bird tells me its something Opensource modified.
At the end of the day fair play to Frank Zapaty and his team, it just does not seem quite so cool anymore. Civil use cases are mentioned in the intention to purchase letter, but why would you when the military will pay 50 times the amount per unit.
The Flyboard Air is being copied at a rapid rate. In Shark Tank or Dragons Den they would be asking all about IP protection.
WILMINGTON, Mass. — Implant Sciences Corporation (OTCQB: IMSC), a leading manufacturer of explosives trace detection (ETD) solutions for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) applications, is pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent to acquire Zapata Industries SAS of Marseilles, France. Zapata is a profitable and debt-free company with commercial, defense, and homeland security technology applications.
Zapata Industries (www.zapata-industries.com) is the undisputed leader in developing and manufacturing single user hydro-and jet-powered technologies and products. Zapata’s proprietary methodology, algorithms, and patented designs are currently commercialized and in development within recreation, entertainment, military, medical, and industrial sectors.
In 2016 Zapata achieved its proof of concept milestone by producing the safest, most reliable, lightest, fastest, and least expensive personal flight system ever created with the unveiling of the Flyboard Air®. The Flyboard Air® utilizes Zapata Industries’ proprietary algorithms and balance methodology to direct jet engines to act both independently and harmoniously. This unique technology not only provides unparalleled maneuverability speed and ease of use but it also provides full flight redundancy, making the platform as safe as any airplane with as little as 20 hours of training. Zapata Industries can commercialize its breakthrough technology with products ranging from flying medical stretchers and Jetbikes to floating rescue stations, scaffoldings and unmanned heavy payload delivery drones. The performance parameters of the Flyboard Air® provide undisputed proof that Zapata technology is commercially viable for advanced applications within the military, industrial, and medical fields. Aviation Experts see this revolutionary transportation platform as meaningfully disruptive to the air transportation industry. Early industry reaction to the Flyboard Air®, has been overwhelming and the Flyboard Air® has become an internet sensation.
