Ever since its official launch in 2021, the Jetson One has regarded prefer it is perhaps the primary private eVTOL to achieve shoppers. If Chinese language firm Rictor is to be believed, nevertheless, its comparable X4 ought to ship later this 12 months – and at a fraction of the worth.
Unveiled this week at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the Rictor X4 is a single-passenger eVTOL (electrical vertical take-off and touchdown) plane pushed by eight motor/propeller items mounted on 4 arms. These carbon fiber arms and 63-inch (160-cm) props fold in when not in use, permitting the X4 to be transported behind a pickup truck.
Joe Salas / New Atlas
Not solely can the plane take off and land vertically like a helicopter, it might additionally fly ahead at a high velocity of 80 km/h (50 mph).
That stated, it is restricted to a flight time of 20 minutes per battery-charge and a 100-kg (220.5-lb) payload capability, together with pilot. In response to Rictor’s mum or dad firm Kuickwheel Know-how, it is designed for “mild aerial mobility.” Primarily, it is a commuter.
Rictor
The X4 makes use of a semi-solid-state twin battery pack, which reportedly permits it to execute a secure touchdown even when one battery module fails. It additionally packs an emergency parachute system, ought to issues actually go fallacious.
Importantly, as a result of the plane can autonomously observe preprogrammed flight paths at very low altitudes – as little as 3 meters (10 ft) – Rictor claims that it complies with US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Half 103 laws, and may be operated legally with out airworthiness certification or a pilot’s license.
Joe Salas / New Atlas
And about that low worth …
Whereas the Jetson One is priced at US$128,000, the X4 has a launch worth of simply $39,900 with a $5,000 deposit. Rictor even expects first deliveries to begin by the second quarter of this 12 months, though we’ll consider that once we see it.
Finally 12 months’s CES the corporate showcased an eVTOL flying motorcycle, which has but to achieve manufacturing.
Supply: Rictor
