Search and rescue jetpack aces flight test in lousy weather
Search and rescue jetpack aces flight test in lousy weather Digital Trends
Search-and-rescue jetpack flies like a dream in lousy weather
October 19, 2022 Share — Reuters (@Reuters) The jetpack is the creation of U.K.-based Gravity Industries and has been in development since 2017. The aeronautical and innovation firm was founded by Richard Browning, who a few years ago about his work. The flying gear, which is all 3D-printed, comprises two small engines attached to each arm, and a third one on the back. Flight direction is controlled by subtle movements of each arm. It can fly a human at speeds of up to 85 mph at an altitude of 12,000 feet, though as the video points out, pilots usually fly lower and slower for safety reasons. Speaking shortly after the Cumbria test flight, Browning told Reuters: “What we’ve really learned, as a jet suit company, is that paramedic response is all about getting to the side of that critical care patient super-fast, a bit like a paramedic on a motorbike. You’re not taking them to hospital, you’re getting alongside them to sort out blood loss, a breathing problem, manage pain, and triage that patient.” Browning continued: “Our ability to get over any terrain in almost any weather and get alongside that casualty, often faster than a helicopter or on foot — that’s turned out to be super-valuable.” Browning and his team will continue to refine and test the design with a view to deploying it not only for search and rescue, but also for national defense, with elite forces also having recently tested the kit at sea.