Chapter 467: Science Friday! Entry 06- Jet Packs... Finally!
This week Swiss airline pilot Yves Rossyflew across the English Channel wearing a homemade jet-propelled wing in under 15 minutes. Can I get a hell yes?
The carbon composite-wing weighs about 121 pounds (55 kilograms) when loaded with fuel, and carried four kerosene-burning jet turbines that kept him aloft. The wing had no steering devices -- Rossy moved his body to control its movements.
He wore a heat-resistant suit similar to that worn by firefighters and racing drivers to protect him from the heat of the turbines. The cooling effect of the wind and high altitude also prevented him from getting too hot.
More via CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/26/rocket.man.english.channel.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch