The last 10 years or so has seen a significant increase in watersports, with new technology on boats and other forms of entertainment such as the jet-ski becoming very popular.
We've even seen an off-road quad bike transform into a jet-ski at the push of a button. However, the JETLEV-FLYER is truly unique and interesting, some may even say slightly off the wall, but very interesting none the less.
You may have seen those modern day jet-packs on display somewhere - you know, the one where the pilot straps a jetpack to his back, and literally takes off like a rocket. The JetLev-Flyer however is slightly different in the sense that instead of using a gas propulsion system, it uses water. The system was designed for watersports afterall.
After a period of about 9 years of development, testing and refinement, the manufacturers are now confident that they have a product that is literally...taking-off.
So how does it work?
The JetLev-Flyer uses a powerful 4-stroke engine poducing (155 - 215 HP), and water nozzle reaction force that results in a stable and controlled flight experience for the user. The controls are light, simple and intuitive, able to accomodate pilots of between 1,50 and 2,00 meter in height, and 40 - 120 kilogram in weight.
The system uses a digital fly-by-wire system to control the throttle.
According to the company's website, a standard JETLEV-FLYER can reach a height of 10 meter, able to cruise for one to two hours, and has a top speed of 65km/h. Future designs may be developed to reach higher altitudes and faster top speeds, with an exended range of up to 300 kilometres. It is reportedly very easy to learn and operate.
Now you're probably wondering how exactly a pilot can stay in the air for that long. The solution is rather simple. Instead of storing its propellant (water) inside or on the JETLEV-FLYER, the actual engine remains on another vessel that trails behind the pilot on the water surface. The vessel and JetLev-Flyer is connected by a rather large waterhose. Water is sucked in from the water surface, and then pumped up to the nozzles on the pilot's back through the hose connecting the two. Using this method, the pilot does not carry any excessive weight such as an engine or fuel.
For more info visit the website at jetlev-flyer.com
No comments:
Post a Comment