China Unveils 'World's First' Pilotable Flying Platform -- But The US Had One In The '50s - BGR

Chinese design firm CoolFly has unveiled a pilotable flying platform called “Urban,” which Global Times calls “the world’s first air skateboard.” The pitch, however, is closely echoed by the U.S. Hiller Model 1031-A-1 Flying Platform developed in the 1950s with U.S. armed forces. Both are VTOL aircraft that can hover and hold altitude, making low-skill operation possible. CoolFly says Urban uses its NA80 flight control system, described as purpose-built for eVTOL, while the Hiller relied on two Nelson H-59 gasoline engines. The more accurate claim is that Urban is an electric-powered platform in this format.