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Daredevil Flying Across Channel
12:16pm UK, Friday August 22, 2008
A daredevil has come a step closer in his attempt to fly solo across the English Channel with a jet-pack wing strapped to his back.
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight in preparation for his Channel bid.
He did cross the Channel, but I couldnt get a version of that video that would embed here is a link to it
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=91314&newsChannel=worldNews
The flight took place above the Swiss town of Bex after several failed attempts, due to electronic interference problems.
The maverick dubbed 'Birdman' flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles - equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
He jumped out of a plane with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, before turning back to Bex airfield.
The distance was long enough to allow him to fly the width of the famous Anglo-French channel.
The successful flight involved him jumping out of the aircraft at 2,300m, and then flying horizontally under jet power from a height of 1,700m.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500m and 1,200m.
The wing does not include moving parts such as flaps to control direction, but Rossy is able to steer by shifting his weight and moving his head.
The 48-year-old Swiss, also known as Fusionman, said: "Everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing.
"If there are no technical problems, it's OK for the English Channel. I can't wait for this next challenge!"
He is trying to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the famous stretch of water.
His daredevil Channel crossing is scheduled, weather permitting, for September 24.
Daredevil Flying Across Channel
12:16pm UK, Friday August 22, 2008
A daredevil has come a step closer in his attempt to fly solo across the English Channel with a jet-pack wing strapped to his back.
Yves Rossy successfully completed a crucial test flight in preparation for his Channel bid.
He did cross the Channel, but I couldnt get a version of that video that would embed here is a link to it
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=91314&newsChannel=worldNews
The flight took place above the Swiss town of Bex after several failed attempts, due to electronic interference problems.
The maverick dubbed 'Birdman' flew for 10 minutes over a distance of more than 21 miles - equivalent to Dover to Calais, France.
He jumped out of a plane with his wing strapped to his back and flew in a straight line to Villeneuve, before turning back to Bex airfield.
The distance was long enough to allow him to fly the width of the famous Anglo-French channel.
The successful flight involved him jumping out of the aircraft at 2,300m, and then flying horizontally under jet power from a height of 1,700m.
He then switched off the jet engines before deploying two parachutes at 1,500m and 1,200m.
The wing does not include moving parts such as flaps to control direction, but Rossy is able to steer by shifting his weight and moving his head.
The 48-year-old Swiss, also known as Fusionman, said: "Everything went well, it was awesome, it's my longest flight with this wing.
"If there are no technical problems, it's OK for the English Channel. I can't wait for this next challenge!"
He is trying to become the first person in history to carry out a solo, jet-propelled flight across the famous stretch of water.
His daredevil Channel crossing is scheduled, weather permitting, for September 24.
| 2 months ago | CH
