"Fusion Man" makes historic Channel flight

Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:16am EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss airline pilot Yves Rossy became the first person to fly between France and England on Friday with a jetpack strapped to his back.

The pilot, who normally flies an Airbus airliner, swapped the plane's controls for four jets attached to a wing on his back to get across the Channel.

The simple kerosene-burning jet turbines propelled him the 22 miles between Calais and Dover at speeds of up to 120 mph. The journey took just under 10 minutes.

The 49-year-old Rossy, who calls himself "Fusion Man," ignited the jets inside a plane before jumping out more than 8,000 feet above ground.

After a period of free fall he opened the wing and soared across the water. With no steering controls, the only way to change direction was like a bird, moving his head and back.

When he reached Britain, he released his parachute and drifted down gently before landing in a field.

Rossy traced the route of French aviator Louis Bleriot, who became the first person to fly across the Channel in an aircraft in 1909.

He usually flies a Swiss International A320 Airbus between Zurich and Heathrow and took at least five years to develop the jet-propelled device.

The wing, which spans eight feet, is made of lightweight carbon composite and weighs about 55 kg (120 lb) including fuel.

He postponed the flight for a day due to poor weather and wore a flameproof suit to help him withstand the jet exhaust around his legs.

A helicopter accompanied him during the journey.
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man, my childhood sci-fi dreams are coming true one by one... im just luv'n it!

thats why i believe "nothing is impossible" :thumbsup:
flyingimam Reviewed by flyingimam on . "Fusion Man" makes historic Channel flight "Fusion Man" makes historic Channel flight Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:16am EDT LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss airline pilot Yves Rossy became the first person to fly between France and England on Friday with a jetpack strapped to his back. The pilot, who normally flies an Airbus airliner, swapped the plane's controls for four jets attached to a wing on his back to get across the Channel. The simple kerosene-burning jet turbines propelled him the 22 miles between Calais and Dover at speeds of up Rating: 5