Company Demos Personal Aircraft, Future Jetpack

coondoggie writes "Earlier this week researchers with the company ESG Elektroniksystem in Germany demonstrated a form of 'strap-on jet wing' that lets a user truly fly through the air. The system, called Gryphon, consists of a six-foot wing and hand-held rotary controls for the rudder. The pilot has several different instruments available to him, including onboard oxygen and helmet that features a heads-up display. 'Researchers say the final version of the flying wing will contain an electronic system that will take care of some of the steering for the pilot which today can be a little tricky, researchers say. The company also plans to add small jets to the wing making it a true jetpack in the future.'"

Safety..?

[suv4x4]

There's a reason why the more serious engineers of personal flying vehicles claim it's not possible to make it safe without making it fully automatic (computerized).

It's not in the capability of an average man to pilot his own personal plane, be it just pair of wings on his back, unless a computer does 99.9% of the job. And if it does it, then it better be coordinated centrally with all other flying personal jets in the area. Automatically again.

If they ever release this thing with jet engines, they'll probably make you sign tons of legalese that they're not responsible if you die within one minute of flight, not to mention you'll not be allowed to fly above, or near, urban areas.

Re:your new design?

[Anonymous Coward]

This craft is not a plane; it is much much closer to powered hang glider. Either way, a crash is likely to be fatal regardless the location of the head of the operator. Surviving a catastrophic failure in a powered hang glider will amount to your ability to release and utilize a parachute.

I get the distinct feeling that you are not a member of the aerospace community in any way shape or form. You simply cannot get the safety you want in such a small air vehicle. There is a reason that every aspect in the professional aerospace industry from the pilots, inspection staff and maintenance crew require many many hours of training to get their certification. In addition, with proper inspection and maintenance the vehicle won't have a catastrophic failure. Although you cannot prepare for every situation, it is far more likely that the risk to the pilots will be due to their own failures instead of the failures of the craft.

So, get back in your SUV 4x4 and fuck off, dimwit.

Re:FAA regulations and whatnot

[Charcharodon]

Actually something like this is already regulated, but not in the way you think. There probably will be absolutley no requirements to get one other than a credit card or cash, since it's so small. The only restrictions will be where you fly it (airspace restriction) Whether it's a Rocketeer outfit or some yahoo with a lawnchair, 2 dozen helium ballons, and a BB-gun doesn't matter because the FAA could care less as long is it doesn't get in the way of regular aircraft.

You can go out right now and get the current equivalent, para-sails and hang gliders (powered or not) and go kill yourself nearly restriction free. I see no reason why this "new" jet wing will be any different.

Re:your new design?

[lessthan]

Of course, the actual pertinent question is "Would a person willing to strap that thing on their back going to be concerned about safety?" I am going to go out on a limb and say no. So why argue about how safe it is?