Inventor Bradley Rushton of Ellettsville, IN has developed a new vertical takeoff and landing personal aircraft.

The idea was born while watching a documentary on robotic dogs who would pack equipment for soldiers in the field. Bradley watched as these robots attempted to navigate through rough terrain. He was inspired to build a small inexpensive craft that could rapidly haul the same equipment without having to navigate across tricky terrain. He knew that could save lives in the field. Additionally, the new designs on jet packs for 1 person transport looked too complicated. Since Bradley had some training in a gyrocopter, it appeared to him that if you could figure out a way to incorporate a BRC and not get it tangled up in the rotor blade, that would be a game changer! He then began sketching out designs for a twin rotor system that would allow safe deployment of a BRC system. After thinking about this for some time, it occurred to him that this idea could be adapted to all forms of transportation and recreation. In turn, he created the Rush Hoverfly.

But how does it work? The aircraft is powered by 2-4 electric motor power units that are mechanically connected. They operate corresponding propeller systems located high on the airframe for stability. The maximum thrust varies from 400–800 lbs. A gimble control mechanism allows the aircraft to pivot forward, rearward, and side-to-side. This makes it a very maneuverable aircraft, and a very stable one, too. The invention also includes a ballistic recovery parachute for use during emergencies when the device is no longer air worthy. While developed to be a single-person aircraft, larger sizes are possible.