"JetMan's" "WingSuit" Technology Eyed for (Yesss!) Stealthy Jetpack Airborne Assaults

Not a flyin' car, but delivering, maybe, one day, on a childhood dream.

Here's Jetman (skip to 3:50):

Jetman himself (Yves Rossi) isn't interested in selling his stuff for military development. But you know, other people have seen the video.

The Special Parachute and Logistics Consortium, is a German venture between two companies with expertise in this area. SPELCO produces a variety of parachute systems, helmets, oxygen supplies and other gear and services. But their most eye-catching project is the Gryphon Next Generation Parachute System (PDF, pictured).

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“All equipment is hidden in a lifting body optimized for stealth, the radar-signature is extremely low,” says the Gryphon data sheet (PDF). “Detection of incoming Gryphon soldiers by airborne or ground radar will be extremely difficult.”

Gryphon has a guidance system and heads-up display navigation. Best of all, the company are looking at an option for bolting on small engines similar to those used in Yves Rossy’s setup. These will increase the range to more than 60 miles, but will also make it possible to cover long distances from low altitude so that the entire mission can be more stealthy.

posted by Ace at 08:38 PM

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