Originally Posted by tandempower

Do you predict development in electrically-powered 'whisper-quiet' helicopters in the next five years?

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a new type of ultralight helicopter with very large rotor blades that turn relatively slowly and lift the heli up almost like a huge bird flapping wings with a corresponding, 'whoosh whoosh whoosh' sound. Once this vtol heli rises to a suitable altitude, the rotor tilts slight forward as its broad wings give it lift at its slow speed. The wings and rotor blades could have solar cells to charge the battery, which will need to be light, of course. The rotor/propeller will turn relatively slowly with high torque, something electric motors do well. Is something like this what you have in mind?