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..
