A French company claims to have developed a practical turbine-based “flying platform.” It’s like a combination of the old Hiller VZ-1 with a modern jetpack… the pilot stands on a compact device with the jet engines, and wears a backpack full of fuel. Flight time is said to be ten minutes, which, unlike the 30 seconds you get out of a rocket-pack, is actually useful. They have released a video of the first test flight. It looks good… but it also raises some flags. You never actually see it either take off or land. While it really does look like it’s flying and really running jet engines (due to the obvious hot exhaust), I wouldn’t exactly be stunned to find out that the guy is actually suspended under a helicopter, and they’ve digitally removed the wires. More evidence needed…
Now, *if* this is on the up-and-up, it might have some practical real-world applications. The first thought is soldiering, but it’d be so freakin’ LOUD that the pilot would be deeef and the enemy would be utterly aware. Firefighting, perhaps? Need to get some rescue professionals up to the 100th story of the towering inferno? Here ya go, no helicopter needed. Fire spotting in forests? I suppose a drone with an IR camera would probably be better, but what the heck.
Mostly, though, this thing – if it works – would probably be sold to adrenaline junkies.