The Jetlev Flyer is a fantastically strange vehicle, and
for all the right reasons.
The Jetlev Flyer was developed by Raymond Li, based in
Newfoundland, Canada. The concept has been in development
since 2000, but the first manned-flight didn't take place
until 2005. Since then the Jetlev Flyer has developed
into a commercially available vehicle which has undergone
hundreds of hours of test flights, in the hands of over
30 test pilots.
Since 2008, Jetlev Sports Inc. of Florida have been licensed
to produce the Jetlev Flyer, and in 2009 MS Watersports
GmbH in Germany joined the party and helped co-develop
the production model. Between the two companies, the Jetlev
Flyer is for sale in markets all across the world.
The Jetlev Flyer is unlike other jetpacks in that it uses
waterjet power, instead of gas jets to provide thrust.
Also, because the Jetlev Flyer has all the heavy items,
like the propulsion engine, fuel and related systems on
a separate vessel tethered behind the jetpack, the overall
weight of the bit in the air is significantly reduced.
The Jetlev Flyer can be used in fresh water or sea water,
using it over land is out of the question due to the massive
amounts of water its jets blast out every second.
Obviously that means every commuter's dream of jetpacking
across a crowded city is impossible - unless you live
in Venice - but as a recreational vehicle it beats anything
on water.
When designing the Jetlev Flyer, the engineers focused
on making it both safe and easy to fly. By restricting
the hose length they imposed a relatively low flight ceiling
of 33 ft (10m), and thanks to the jetpack's 5-point quick-release
harness, protective back rest and head support, safety
saddle and inherent floatation, it's not a case of sinking
like a rock when you're in the water!
According to the makers, the Jetlev Flyer is so easy to
fly that after just a few minutes of training new pilots
are ready to take to the air.
Top speed of the Jetlev Flyer is around 22 mph, with a
duration of 2-3 hours at cruising speed, or 1 hour if
you want to keep the throttle at wide open.
The Jetlev Flyer is available in a 250 horsepower, carbon-fiber
construction model, or a 220 horsepower fiberglass construction
model. It doesn't come cheap though. Prices range from
$122,000 (€ 84,900) to $185,000 (€ 129,000).
Although it's difficult to imagine any other vehicle,
be it a supercar or superyacht, that'll get more attention
down at the beach.
Similar and related vehicles:
PowerSki Jetboard
Innespace Bionic Dolphin
Flying Hovercraft
Source: Jetlev-flyer.com
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