Thursday, July 31, 2008

Gryphon


A new parachute system known as the Gryphon has been designed by ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH and Dräger (not sure how you’re meant to pronounce that). The Gryphon enables parachutists to fly through the air at high speed before opening their chutes, so they could be dropped miles away and fly to their intended targets.

The ESG Gryphon is aimed at the military market, where upon parachutists can be dropped up-to 40 kilometres away from the landing pad and then glide their silently and near invisible to any radar cover.

The next stage of development is to add small turbo jet drives which will increase the range even further and allow take offs from much lower heights. Batman eat your heart out.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Rocket Man

New Zealand inventor Glenn Martin showcased his jet pack at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After 27 years developing devices to fly, he hopes to start selling them next year for around $100,000 US.

Powered by a water-cooled, 200-horsepower engine which drives the downward facing fans on either side, Martin's machines can run for 30 minutes, not bad when you consider most alternatives get you about a minute of air time.