Koncepto Millenya

Lore & Background

Kyxz Mendiola, a self-taught Filipino drone enthusiast, began developing the Millenya in the early 2010s, funding the project initially with his own money before receiving help from friends and relatives. Millions of pesos and at least six years were spent on development. Mendiola cited his "extreme" feeling toward flying and the deteriorating traffic situation in Metro Manila as motivators, envisioning people flying to their destinations in minutes rather than spending two to three hours in road transport. He faced "disappointment, mocking and discouraging words" as hindrances during development.

The aircraft uses a trial-and-error method, with Mendiola experimenting with different parts; in at least one test, the vehicle caught fire. In September 2018, the Millenya had its first public maiden flight in Batangas. After a video of the aircraft went viral, Australian firm Star8 expressed interest in partnering with Mendiola to develop the Millenya for mass production.

The vehicle is reinforced by a metal frame covered with a carbon fiber shell. It is powered by 16 rotary motors using multicopter technology, designed so that it can still fly safely even if one or two motors are compromised. The lone passenger controls the aircraft through a portable radio frequency controller, with altitude managed by a button and maneuvering via a steering stick. A two-seater version with a payload capacity of 200 kg is planned for future development.

Reader's Guide

The Koncepto Millenya represents a notable grassroots effort in personal VTOL aircraft development, emerging from the Philippines rather than from established aerospace companies. Its significance lies in its origin: a self-taught inventor using personal funds and trial-and-error methods to create a flying vehicle intended to solve urban traffic congestion. The aircraft's public maiden flight in September 2018 and subsequent viral video attracted international interest, particularly from Australian firm Star8, indicating potential for commercial development. The Millenya's design philosophy—a single-seat, battery-powered multicopter with redundant motors for safety—reflects the adaptation of drone technology to human-carrying aircraft. Its legacy is tied to the broader narrative of "flying car" concepts, with Mendiola explicitly aiming for a sports-car aesthetic. The planned two-seater variant suggests an ambition to scale the concept beyond a personal vehicle. While still a prototype, the Millenya demonstrates that individual inventors can advance VTOL technology outside traditional industrial channels, and its story highlights both the technical challenges (including a fire during testing) and the motivational role of urban traffic problems in driving innovation.

Did You Know?

• The Millenya is powered by 16 rotary motors, allowing it to fly safely even if one or two motors fail.
• Its inventor, Kyxz Mendiola, taught himself engineering and aircraft design.
• The aircraft's first public maiden flight took place in Batangas in September 2018.