In under an hour’s time, a Swiss pilot is looking to become the first person ever to fly solo across the English Channel powered by a single jet-propelled wing. Yves Rossy will take a plane to more than 8,200ft, and then jump out to be suspended only by his self-designed, jet-propelled wing.
The longest flight he has taken so far lasted 10 minutes; this flight is expected to take between 12-15 minutes. To do this, he will need to reach speeds of 125mph. If he succeeds he will cement his place in the record books, however, if he fails he could find himself hurling head first toward a container ship in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
There are some safety precautions taken which you would do if you were strapped to a huge engine and a lot of fuel over 2000 metres from the ground. As well as the obvious helmet and parachute, he will don a special suit to protect him from the four kerosene-burning turbines mounted a mere few centimetres from him on the wing.
Mr Rossy, is looking to follow the route taken by French airman Louis Blériot 99 years ago when he became the first person to cross the English Channel in a plane.
Source: Times Online
One thought on “Eurostar still delayed? Jetpack across the English Channel”
this is fantastic I really want to have ago. Best of luck to him too wonder how long before they go into production.