A demonstration of the vehicle, described as an ultralight aircraft called the Kitty Hawk Flyer, was posted online on Monday by the company.

Kitty Hawk said the craft, which is only able to fly over water, should be available for purchase by the end of the year.

"The Kitty Hawk Flyer is a new, all-electric aircraft," the company says on its website. "It is safe, tested and legal to operate in the United States in uncongested areas under the Ultralight category of FAA regulations.

"We've designed our first version specifically to fly over water. You don't need a pilot's license and you'll learn to fly it in minutes."