US startup builds 330-pound car-like jet drone that flies at 225 mph

Texas-based startup FusionFlight has developed the Axion, a compact, jet-powered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft that weighs 330 pounds and can reach speeds up to 225 mph. Unlike typical VTOLs that use electric motors and propellers, the Axion employs eight vectored-thrust micro-turbine jet engines fueled by diesel, kerosene, or jet-A. This setup generates 809 lb-ft of thrust, enabling vertical lift-off, agile maneuvering, and the ability to carry a single passenger or 176 pounds of cargo. The Axion offers about 15 minutes of flight time per refuel and can operate reliably in extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, without performance loss. The Axion can be piloted manually via fly-by-wire joysticks or autonomously through a touchscreen interface, with remote operation also possible for unmanned missions such as emergency supply delivery or medical evacuations. It builds on FusionFlight’s earlier AB6 JetQuad drone