It had to be seen to be believed. Looking like something out of a Sci-Fi blockbuster, Flyboard® Air inventor Franky Zapata piloted his creation 2,253 metres to smash the world record for the farthest distance travelled by hoverboard, which previously stood at 276 metres.
Zapata made the incredible flight over the harbour of Sausset-les-Pins, in the south of France, supported by two all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak pickups. Taking four years to design, develop and perfect, the jet-propelled hoverboard flew at an average 55 km/h, and a top speed 70 km/h to cover the distance in three minutes.
“Ford is always looking for new ways of doing things so it's no surprise that we'd partner with Franky for his record attempt with the Ford Ranger. It's a really exciting time to be supporting innovations that explore different ways of getting around in future and it's great to see the record broken so convincingly,” said Mark Truby, vice president, Communications & Public Affairs, Ford of Europe.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNKRxsNyOho
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7qvlkrh01ljp37r/AACYLv1G4LCoP57LmnzSBYlJa?dl=0
Flyboard® Air facts:
Top speed |
150 km/h |
Maximum height |
3,000 metres |
Maximum thrust |
160 N |
Fuel consumption |
5.6 L/min (kerosene) |
Weight |
20 kg |
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Mich. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
