Flux Space founder Jarod Yates details the ongoing investigation and replication efforts surrounding Alexey Chekurkov’s Graviflyer, a device seemingly capable of defying gravity by producing thrust without expelling mass. Initial skepticism, fueled by the prevalence of online hoaxes, gave way to serious investigation after Charles Crawford successfully replicated the device and shared crucial design details. A global community of researchers, including the podcast speakers, have since replicated the Graviflyer, meticulously documenting their findings and collaborating with Chekurkov via Zoom.

While the exact mechanism of operation remains unclear, analysis points towards a complex interaction of spinning discs, high-voltage DC, RF signals, and an ultrasonic piezo buzzer, potentially creating a field inversion effect. Despite electromagnetic interference issues and the inventor’s current unavailability, the project continues, driven by a desire to understand the underlying physics and explore the device’s potential applications beyond simple lift. This discussion highlights the collaborative spirit of the project, the importance of rigorous testing, and the unexpected learning opportunities arising from this unconventional endeavor.

From Skepticism to Replication: The Turning Point

The story begins with Alexey Chekurkov’s initial videos, dating back five to six years. Initially dismissed as a hoax, these videos depicted a small device seemingly defying gravity. Then came Charles Crawford, who not only attempted replication but also, crucially, acquired devices directly from Alexei, making the crucial information needed for replication available to the wider community. This pivotal moment, around the time of an APEC presentation where Charles shared a parts list and design details, ignited a global effort to unravel the mystery. Jaod recounts ordering parts within 20 minutes of seeing the presentation, inspired by the newfound accessibility.

Debunking the Hoax: Evidence and Analysis

The initial reaction to Alexey’s videos was understandably skeptical. The history of elaborate hoaxes, including one involving seemingly levitating furniture, fueled this doubt. However, the repeated demonstrations from various angles in Alexey’s videos, coupled with the high-resolution 4K footage analyzed by Tim Ventura, appeared to eliminate the possibility of simple trickery like hidden strings. Speaker 1’s own replication attempts were driven by a desire to determine whether the Graviflier was a genuine phenomenon or an elaborate illusion. Through rigorous testing and mini-replications, their belief in the device’s authenticity solidified.

Beyond Simple Levitation: Unforeseen Phenomena

The Graviflier’s capabilities extend beyond simple levitation. The device, as predicted by the inventor, exhibits additional functionalities and anomalous electromagnetic interference (EMI) (00:02:20). Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 detail observations such as ultrasonic dome voltage changes at specific frequencies (00:02:30), the impact of the ultrasound circuit’s off button on the electromagnetic environment (00:02:40), and the significant EMI generated during lift-off, even causing damage to nearby electronics (00:07:00). These observations strongly suggest that the device’s operation is far more complex than initially perceived.

The Global Collaboration: A Community Effort

The project’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration. A dedicated team, including Charles Crawford (primary inspiration and replicator), Mike Gamble (working with an original device and focusing on detailed measurements), David Chester (providing physics expertise), John Scholtz (handling business analysis), Todd Desiato (early contributor and physics advisor), and many others, including Nathan Bunten, have contributed their skills and knowledge. Regular Zoom calls with Alexey Chekurkov, facilitated by a translator, have been instrumental in gaining insights into the device’s operation and tuning process. This collaboration, initially facilitated by a WhatsApp group, has fostered a global exchange of ideas and findings.

Unraveling the “Secret Sauce”: Alexei’s Insights and Challenges

Direct interaction with Alexei has been invaluable. Observing his tuning process, which involves a delicate balance of disc speed, spacing, and ultrasound frequency, has provided crucial insights. Alexei’s description of “picking the lock” highlights the complexity of achieving lift-off. However, Alexei’s recent unavailability due to a family emergency has presented a challenge. His work on Graviflyer 2.0, utilizing spinning electrets instead of discs, points towards ongoing innovation.

The Science Behind the Mystery: Hypotheses and Theories

The Graviflyer’s mechanism remains a subject of ongoing investigation. The team has ruled out explanations such as ion wind and ion thrusters. Jarod draws parallels between the Graviflyer and Sal Pais’ Navy experiments involving rapidly spinning, highly charged conductors, suggesting a potential connection to similar anomalous phenomena. The device’s operation involves counter-rotating discs, high-voltage pulsed DC, an RF signal, and a piezoelectric buzzer, all working in concert to create a complex electromagnetic field. The hypothesis is that a specific resonance state, achieved through precise tuning, leads to field inversion and lift.

The Human Element: Passion, Perseverance, and the Unexpected

The Graviflyer project is more than just a scientific endeavor; it’s a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the power of collaborative spirit. Alexey’s decade-long dedication, Jarod’s years of focused work, and the contributions of the entire team highlight the importance of passion and commitment in achieving seemingly impossible goals. The project has also led to significant personal and professional growth for the participants, exceeding the initial goal of simply replicating the device.

Conclusion: A Journey Continues

The Graviflyer remains an enigma, but the journey to understand its workings has already yielded remarkable results. The collaborative effort, the scientific insights, and the unexpected phenomena observed have opened up new avenues of research and potential applications. The story of the Graviflyer is a compelling narrative of human curiosity, scientific exploration, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge in the face of skepticism and uncertainty. The future holds the promise of further breakthroughs, as the team continues its quest to unlock the secrets of this extraordinary device.