This Striking Gold Helicopter Was the Star of the Dubai Airshow—and It Can’t Even Fly
The Dubai Airshow had some impressive aircraft news and debuts, including Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter jet, announcements by electric air-taxi makers Joby and Archer that they were growing their Middle Eastern markets, and a new eVTOL firm called Autocraft that is starting test-flights in the United Arab Emirates. But in terms of the kind of bling Dubai loves, the Gold Chopper (gold helicopter) from an edgy New York-based backpack manufacturer stole the show.
David BenDavid, a.k.a. DBD, is the founder of Sprayground, which counts Beyoncé and Kevin Durant among its patrons, as well as dozens of other singers and celebrities. BenDavid’s rotorcraft is a full-sized, non-motorized sculpture based on other helicopter designs, with a polished gold-colored exterior, red-leather interior, and working doors. The shark-toothed smile on the front is the company’s signature motif.
“Our creative team first designed the concept in 3-D, experimenting with several versions before finalizing the structure, and then building began with a 3-D-printed foam model that was cut into sections, and then recreated in metal,” BenDavid told Robb Report. The components were then hand-welded together, brushed, and electro-planted in gold. The design includes a futuristic looking, but non-working flight deck.
The process took eight months from concept to completion. BenDavid has created other fantastical objects, including one of the world’s largest T-Rex dinosaurs. He also wrapped an Formula 1 car to mark the start of the Miami F1 race. He has also collaborated with Zaha Hadid Architects on a concept for a futuristic home on the moon.
Another piece of art on display in Dubai is the AIR4, a non-working eVTOL concept created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4L. Along the same lines as the DeLorean in Back to the Future, this aircraft bears a futuristic resemblance to the 4L but with spider-like appendages that have propellers on the end.
“The body retains the silhouette and mass of the original 4L, but uses carbon-fiber and advanced materials to accommodate flight mechanics,” said Patrice Meignan, founder and CEO of TheArsenale, a Miami-based firm that designs and promotes new modes of luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary transportation. The AIR4’s design and engineering were completed in France.
In Dubai, the Air4 will be on display for a year at Wafi City inside a dramatic exhibit space. In 2021, Meignan was in talks with Renault about the possibility of building a flying Air4, but French regulations, he explained made the project untenable. The eVTOL will remain as a “marketing and PR-driven car,” the CEO said. But Meignan’s design team has recently announced a flying motorcycle concept looking for investors to create a working prototype.
As for the Gold Chopper, there are no ambitions to create a flying version. It will remain in Dubai, sitting beside a ruby-red, freight-container “pop-up” store displaying Sprayground backpacks.
This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.