Another feature of the innovative aircraft is that the X-Hawk has no wings. This, together with the lack of exposed propellers will enable the X-Hawk to get close to the windows of skyscrapers and fly low in populated areas without endangering either passengers of bystanders. It's appearance is that of a car.
The X-Hawk is causing excitement in law enforcement and rescue forces circles as it promises to revolutionize many existing methods. Some of the future prospects include enabling rescue from high-rise buildings and aerial police pursuit of ground targets. The X-Hawk is expected to be able to achieve a maximum speed of 125 mph and fly for up to an hour and a half non-stop.
The full-sized prototype is scheduled to be built in 2005, at which time Urban Aerodynamics will seek a license from the American Federal Aviation Administration. Officials at the company hope that in a few years the construction work on the plane will be completed, at which point it will be put to use. Urban Aerodynamics has built just one prototype of the new aircraft thus far, and it has completed several manned test-flights successfully.
The Hebrew daily Yediot Aharonot reported that Dr. Raffi Yoeli established his Urban Aerodynamics company with the express purpose of creating his conceived aircraft. His invention, the X-Hawk, can take off and land vertically, but, unlike a helicopter, the X-Hawk does not have external propellers - which constitute the chief obstacle to close-proximity landing and hovering. The X-Hawk incorporates the propellers into the body of the aircraft.