'SkyRunner' Unveiled At Florida Yacht Show

A new recreational sports vehicle will make its public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this week. Part all-terrain vehicle and part light-sport aircraft, SkyRunner is being called by its manufacturer "the next generation in the small, elite segment of light sport aviation." 

SkyRunner said in a news release that the aircraft is not "just for the adventurist or recreational enthusiast. The business and governmental applications for a low-cost, low-maintenance aviation asset could include large landowners, ranchers, farmers, pipeline companies, emergency medical teams, film, media, aerial survey companies, bush pilots, border security, police, military and search & rescue."

"Airports are not required with SkyRunner," says Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner Founder and Chief Executive Officer.  "This vehicle will change the way people experience their world and provide pure enjoyment of flight. Imagine driving an all-terrain vehicle that can convert from road to air mode in three minutes — with SkyRunner, that dream has become a reality."

SkyRunner uses reflex paraglide wing technology, which is known for its extreme pitch and roll stability. "Open fields, grass strips and secluded beaches will be the runways of choice," says Hamel. "In the United States 98% of airspace is open to light sport pilots."

SkyRunner weighs 926 pounds and can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph on the ground and 55 mph in the air. SkyRunner is powered by a 1.0 liter EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine. The fuel-efficient SkyRunner will see a 500 mile road range at 53 MPG and 200 nautical miles in the air. The vehicle is priced at $119,000.

Over the next few months SkyRunner will be fulfilling ASTM Design & Manufacturing Standards for its S-LSA certification. During this time, the company will be accepting deposits for SkyRunner orders to be delivered in 2014.

(Image provided by SkyRunner)

FMI: www.flyskyrunner.com