A single-man flying wing, originally intended as a sports gimmick, may soon allow elite soldiers to fly into action like Batman. International military experts are excited — and worried about what the enemy might get up to with the new device.
The man with the dull black wing on his back is being lashed at by the wind. The rear hatch of the airplane is wide open. The engines are screaming in a duet with the storm. Four thousand meters (2.5 miles) below, lush grass covers gently rolling hills. Then the man jumps off the edge and the force of the wind hits him like a giant fist. He tumbles about a few times before settling into a stable position. Seconds later, he’s disappeared from sight — with the help of his wing, he soars away at a speed of about 200 kilometers an hour (124 mph).
Read the whole article, this is one wild idea.
Jet powered?
Geissler wants the wing to be equipped with its own engines — small jet valves that won’t allow for breakneck speeds, “but which will ensure that altitude can be maintained.”
What a rush!
After all, the “Gryphon” pilot can jump from an altitude of 10,000 meters (6.2 miles) too, just like a regular parachutist, … The difference is that the “Gryphon” pilot takes only 15 minutes to reach the ground — not 45 like the parachutist.
Yes..it’s now changed to reflect your accurate observation.
At 10,000 meters, he’d better have his mittens on.
Anyone thinking of the COBRA / GI Joe toy from the 80’s?
I don’t see any landing gear.
He has landing gear. Just a little knock-kneed.
This looks like something straight outta Red Alert
These would be great for suicide bombers (just add C4 or RDX). I don’t think I will be working or living in a sky scraper any time soon.
Anyone ever see the movie “Gypsy Moths”? Burt lancaster, Gene Hackman. They had a device called the bat wing or some such. Gave you the illusion of flying. Also caused a lot of big splats.
Seems like they promise a whole lot – neat if they can do it, but it would be some piece of engineering.
www bird-man com looks more controllable.
I see a lot of negative comments: so do any of you fly or skydive or just talk shit with out putting out there. Like to see what makes your comments worth a dam. I would like the company send me information on your wing I’ll buy one and fly it.
man that is one cool thing but how long does it fly for and does it take off from ground if yes i’ll make one and police will never catch me