This man is determined to fly solo – hovering in the sky in what is believed to be the world's smallest one-man helicopter.

The compact flying machine has been unveiled by the Japanese firm Gen Corporation.

The 75kg helicopter, named GEN H-4, has a set of two rotors and can fly at a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour.

And now its Japanese developer, Gennai Yanagisawa, 75, is planning to take his invention to the Italian city of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, to honour the Italian artist and inventor.

For much of his life, da Vinci was fascinated by the phenomenon of flight and produced many studies of the flight of birds, including his 1505 Codex on the Flight of Birds.

He also drew up plans for several flying machines, including a helicopter and a light hang glider.

Mr Yanagisawa said: "Since the concept of our helicopter came from Italy, I always wanted to take a flight in the birthplace of da Vinci. "I feel like I’m greeting an ancestor. I hope da Vinci would be pleased," he said.
go

I remember hearing about that before. I actually want one, looks like it would be a fun way to get around.

think about it... not more waiting through traffic jams, just fly right over and get where you need to go on time

That's weird... I swear I remember seeing something really similar on an "I want one of those" style gadgety online stores years ago for an obscene amount of money, and was never able to find it again.

The Japanese always come up with interesting inventions. If only the United States focused more on technology and different ways to improve the society.

I may be wrong, but SOMEBODY may have a legit case of infringement here...




Dun da dun da dun....dun da dun da dun da da......

There's only a problem with this sort of stuff. If the motor konks out, there's no gliding to safety. You drop like a rock.

Nope, not for me. I'll stay on the ground.

Easy fix

Just have a safety switch that will cut the motor and out of top, pops out a parachute. Just don't let the motor hit you on the head when you land.

Theres only one design flaw..
It only weighs 75 kg's! I doubt that thing could even get me off the ground

Wow, that looks like a ton of fun. I'm afraid of heights though!