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One-person electric helicopter to take flight next year


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SALT LAKE CITY — A Japanese company has developed a one-person electric helicopter that it hopes will take flight next year.

Hirobo, a Japanese company best-known for its remote-control helicopters, unveiled the prototype at a technology expo in Japan, saying it hopes the helicopter will make its first flight in 2013.

So far, hover tests have been completed successfully, according to Flightglobal.

The HX-1, if it comes to fruition, could be flown by an occupant or via remote control at speeds of up to 60 mph for 30 minutes at a time. It is fully electric and can be recharged with the same equipment used to recharge electric cars.

The HX-1 operates much like a standard remote-control helicopter, according to Wired. It uses a co-axial main rotor to eliminate the need for a tail rotor. The pilot uses fly-by-wire controls. The company hopes the helicopter will be remote-controlled to aid in emergency evacuations or search-and-rescue operations.

The cost of the helicopter will be $375,000.

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Stephanie Grimes

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