It's undoubtably good news that Franky Zapata has joined the fray, doubtless realising that the upfront and running costs of turbine jets are likely to cut the mustard for the PAV market. I did get to fly in a Harrier long since, and while the F35 jet fighter retains SVTOL capabilities, this is likely to be in order that it more easily be operated from off carriers.
Though it appears to be an octocopter, four of the arms include two propellers and so that makes a dozen... although as the TELEDRONE under development can be fitted with twelve motors too I'm relaxed about that. The outliers either side support hybrid motors that include petrol-engines in order to up the range, though whether they tilt forward is unclear from the ample arthouse renders that accompany the website.
Certainly with that airfoil at the rear ~ presumably intended to provide lift rather than merely stabilise flight ~ then there'd need to be some countervailing lift at the forward and and vectored thrust might fit the bill. On balance it looks unduly complicated and unlikely to fit through the garage door (though the colourful PR surely would).
Nonetheless with Ryse and Hexa too, personal air vehicles appear to be... on the rise?
