The Future of Advanced Air Mobility

Launched in 2015, the Assen VTOL hoverbike program consists of two models, the A1 Explorer prototype and the in-development A2 Avenger.

The A1 Explorer prototype is a small, electric ducted fan tri-copter eVTOL hoverbike that underwent its first flight test in September of 2018. The remotely-piloted test flight was untethered, with the A1 flying for a short period of time. Since then the hoverbike has been a big hit on the tradeshow circuit, including the EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

However, as the A1 is meant to be a prototype only, the company is not developing it further. Instead, it is focused on the A2 Avenger, which is the A1’s successor. The A2 is a refinement of the A1 and is being developed for commercialization. In fact, the company claims it already has a number of customer commitments. 

The hoverbike features fly-by-wire controls, which will limit a pilot’s speed and altitude and not allow him or her to exceed roll and pitch limits. In its current configuration, the pilot, who sits on the hoverbike as they would on a standard motorbike, will have control of the navigation and routing, with features like trip pre-programming and in-flight rerouting being added in the future. The ultimate goal is to create an application that will let the pilot call the bike remotely. 

The hoverbike is intended for recreational use and sport racing and is designed to fit into a normal parking space or garage. According to the company, flying the hoverbike will not require advanced piloting skills and should be similar to flying a drone or riding a normal motorcycle. 

Assen says it has developed 98 percent of the aircraft in-house and is operating under FAA's Part FAR 103 rules. Up to this point, the program has been privately funded, although the company says it is considering a funding round in the near future.

Outlook

Our objective assessment of this program’s probable success.

FutureFlight assesses the probability of success for a new aircraft program by considering the following criteria:

  • Total investment funds available in proportion to the anticipated cost of getting an aircraft certified and in service
  • A company’s in-house capability (in terms of numbers of engineers, technical staff, and customer support teams)
  • The past experience of the company and its senior leadership in developing aircraft
  • The caliber and past experience of key program partners
  • Whether key aircraft systems have been selected and are available for use
  • Whether the preliminary design review has been completed
  • Whether the design for the full-scale prototype has been completed
  • Whether the type certification process has been formally initiated with an appropriate regulator
  • Whether the company has achieved a first flight with a full-scale prototype
  • The number of hours logged in a flight test program
  • Whether type certification has been achieved
  • The number of orders and commitment received for the aircraft
  • Whether the company has adequate facilities to begin series production of the aircraft
Our Methodology

Assen Aeronautics appears to have been able to develop its A2 hoverbike prototype relatively quickly. The initial focus is on the leisure market and it has made some impression on this via the air show circuit. But it's a big leap to taking this concept to market and it remains very unclear whether the company has the resources to clear all the hurdles. 

Assen VTOL Models

A2 Avenger Specifications

local vtol Flying Car/Hover Bike

Performance

  • Passenger Capacity
    1
  • Range
    45 mi
  • Cruise Speed
    55 mph
  • Powerplant Type
    ducted fan
  • Power Source
    electric
  • Endurance
    45 min
  • Max Altitude
    4,000 ft
  • Takeoff Distance
    n/a
  • Landing Distance
    n/a
  • Empty Weight
    252 lb
  • MGTOW
    472 lb
  • Payload Weight
    220 lb

Dimensions

  • Length
    9 ft
  • Width
    8 ft
  • Height
    4 ft
  • Wingspan
    n/a

The newest addition to the Assen VTOP family is the A2 Avenger, which has replaced the earlier A1 Explorer prototype. Its all carbon fiber body, rotor housings and landing gear mean reduced weight and a longer battery life for the all-electric aircraft. Like the A1, the A2 features a ducted fan propulsion system.