Slashdot Mirror


Jet Powered Human Flight

ederen writes "A skydiver outfitted with jet engines and a nylon Birdman suit jumped out of a balloon over Finland to test the idea of powered human flight without the use of an airplane. The event was sponsored in part by Bird-Man International, a company that develops and manufactures the flying-squirrel freefall suits as seen in Tomb Raider and other action movies."

3 of 26 comments (clear)

  1. Award by rossdee · · Score: 4, Funny

    I guess he's going for the 2006 Darwin awards.

  2. The video is really worth watching. by cgenman · · Score: 4, Informative

    powered human flight without the use of an airplane

    Technically, those old rocket pack suits used at airshows counts for this. As does, well, balloons.

    While it isn't the most technically advanced feat, it is a damn cool trick, and the video is awesome. They really sound like a 747 taking off while strapped to your ankles. Kudos for the fun hack, and I can't wait to try it out.

  3. That's not flying by Rob+Parkhill · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's falling with style.

    --
    "Tomorrow's forecast: a few sprinkles of genius with a chance of doom!" - Stewie Griffin