Engadget

Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20

Jon Fingas — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:21:00 EST

Verizon has just finished trotting out the last of its known 2012 Jetpack hotspots through the arrival of the ZTE-made model we saw back at CES in January. Now carrying a bit more Verizon red on the surface and a bit less Chinese in the name, the Jetpack 890L can share its 4G LTE sugar with as many as 10 WiFi devices at once. There's no removable battery like its Novatel-made Jetpack cousin, but you do get Global Ready (read: HSPA) roaming abroad. We're most liking the price. At $20 on a contract after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 890L will be the most frugal way to board the LTE hotspot train once it reaches stores on May 24th.

Continue reading Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20

Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetman soars over Rio, flies circles around historical landmarks (video)

Sean Buckley — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:13:00 EST

Why would you want to leap out of a perfectly good aircraft? To fly a winged jetpack over the city of Rio de Janeiro, of course. It sounds nuts, but it's just a day in the life for Yves Rossy, the self proclaimed "Jetman" who flew over the Grand Canyon last year. Since soaring over the Rio Grande, Rossy has pitted his carbon-fiber wings against a rally car on Top Gear, taken to the skies over Abu Dhabi and, most recently, buzzed Brazil's famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Jetman rocketed past the monument on an 11 minute flight earlier this week, beginning his journey by dropping out of a helicopter over Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Rossy pulled his Rocketeer trick and eventually parachuted to safety on Copacabana beach. Sound fun? Head past the break to see the man in action. Us? We'll keep our feet planted on terra firma, thanks.

Continue reading Jetman soars over Rio, flies circles around historical landmarks (video)

Jetman soars over Rio, flies circles around historical landmarks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST

And just like that Verizon has revamped its prepaid pricing structure. Starting tomorrow, May 1st, the carrier will be offering unlimited talk and text packaged with 1GB of data for $80 a month. The new offering will be available first with the Samsung Illusion, a disappointingly 3G handset, though, one that wont demand a two year commitment to Big Red. Verizon is also adding the Jetpack MiFi 4510L LTE mobile hotspot to its contract-free offerings for $130. Prepaid plans for the 4G wireless hotspot start at $15 for 250 MB a week, but quickly climb to $60 and $90 for 3GB and 10GB, respectively. For more info check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup

Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon confirms Jetpack MiFi 4620L will be available April 12th for $50 on-contract

Donald Melanson — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:23:00 EST

It's taken considerably longer to roll out than the few weeks that were promised back at CES in January, but Verizon has now confirmed that the Novatel-built, LTE-capable Jetpack MiFi 4620L will be available on April 12th for $49.99. That's on the usual two-year contract, of course, and after a $50 mail-in rebate. In addition to supporting up to ten WiFi connection, it also notably has a removable battery that can be swapped out for a higher capacity 3000mAh unit (double the capacity of the included the one). Look for it at Verizon stores and Verizon's website initially, with a roll out to Best Buy locations following shortly thereafter.

Update: We've received word that the Jetpack has begun arriving at reseller locations, and if you ask nicely you might just be able to take one home early.

Verizon confirms Jetpack MiFi 4620L will be available April 12th for $50 on-contract originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC Fridays: February 3, 2012

Brad Molen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!

Continue reading FCC Fridays: February 3, 2012

FCC Fridays: February 3, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's ZTE Jetpack flies through FCC, arrival time still unknown

Brad Molen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:01:00 EST

Do you wish you had your own personal Jetpack? Well, you may not have to wait much longer for ZTE's version -- the EuFi I890, announced at CES last month -- to come out, if its entry into the records of the FCC are any indication. It may not be the kind that you strap onto your back, but at least this one takes advantage of Verizon's LTE, and it happens to add in CDMA / EVDO and AT&T-compatible 3G radios. We knew the 4G-packing MiFi was going to hit stores in "the coming weeks," so this is essentially just one step closer to achieving that goal -- unfortunately, we still don't have a solid date yet. Hit the source link if you're into digging through government documents.

Verizon's ZTE Jetpack flies through FCC, arrival time still unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's ZTE Jetpack hands-on

Sean Cooper — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST

Verizon launched two new mobile hotspots at CES, both called Jetpack. We found the ZTE entry -- the Verizon device has all the branding -- and gave it a quick once over. The device itself is quite big for a mobile hotspot, measuring 88mm x 88mm x 18mm, though finish and materials are slick. The menu system is easy to use, buttons responsive, and as seen in the pic above lets you get at settings, SMS messages, and a quick heads up as to how many of the 10 supported clients are currently connected. Power on and off is controlled by a sliding switch, rather than an on off button, which we think is a great idea. Have a gander at the gallery for some more shots.

Gallery: Verizon's ZTE Jetpack hands-on

Verizon's ZTE Jetpack hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon introduces two Jetpack 'global ready' 4G LTE mobile hotspots

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:21:00 EST

Verizon Wireless is releasing a pair of worldwide mobile hotspots from ZTE and Novatel Wireless, both called the Jetpack. Not confusing at all, eh? At any rate, the Novatel-sourced MiFi 4620L is the larger of the two (3.76- x 2.36- x 0.53-inches; shown after the break), supporting quad-band EDGE and HSPA technology. It's capable of sharing 4G LTE and 3G with up to ten WiFi-enabled devices, and it also touts an OLED display that allows customers to scroll through menu options, check security settings, view battery life and manage connected devices at any given time. Customers in the US can expect download rates between 5Mbps and 12Mbps when located in an LTE zone, and the "global" aspect allows 'em to enjoy wireless data service in more than 205 countries, including more than 125 with 3G speeds (for a princely sum, naturally). Over on the ZTE side, the cube-styled EuFi890 (3.49- x 3.49- x 0.70-inches; pictured after the break) also offers an OLED display, and there's an interactive keypad to help manage connections and settings and to display data usage alerts. Regrettably, we've no pricing details to share, but the new LTE duo should hit VZW stores "in the coming weeks."

Continue reading Verizon introduces two Jetpack 'global ready' 4G LTE mobile hotspots

Verizon introduces two Jetpack 'global ready' 4G LTE mobile hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin says its jetpack is 'practical,' offers crappy computer animation as evidence

Terrence O'Brien — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:50:00 EST

Ever wonder what a jetpack is good for, besides fulfilling dreams and fighting Nazis? Well, Martin wants you to know there are, in fact, practical applications for its $86,000 personal propulsion system. According to the aviation company everyone from emergency responders to search and rescue teams to military personnel could find a place for the dual-engine craft in their arsenal of tools. Sure, we could see how their ability to get in and out where the size of a helicopter or plane might be prohibitive would prove handy, but their high cost and limited carrying capacity make them a tough sell. That doesn't mean we don't enjoy seeing the (poorly) rendered vision of our future filled with jetpacks in the video after the break. Come to think of it, we could see this coming in handy for our CES coverage... excuse us, we need to make some phone calls.

Continue reading Martin says its jetpack is 'practical,' offers crappy computer animation as evidence

Martin says its jetpack is 'practical,' offers crappy computer animation as evidence originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Jetpack hits the 5,000 feet milestone, could come to market within 18 months (video)

Amar Toor — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:09:00 EST

OK, so the Martin Jetpack may not have gone into commercial production quite as soon as we'd anticipated, but there's still hope on the horizon. Over the weekend, Glenn Martin's flying machine successfully climbed some 5,000 feet above sea level, marking a new milestone in the 30-year, $12 million project. Remotely controlled by a tailing helicopter, the 250-pound craft used its two "superfans" to power itself skyward at about 800 feet per ~~second~~ minute, before safely parachuting back to Earth from a height of about 3,000 feet. As with its last test run, however, the Martin Jetpack was equipped not with a human being, but with a crash dummy. It may have been for the best, though, considering that the machine sustained some damage upon concluding the ten-minute flight. Nevertheless, Martin seems confident that yesterday's test "brings the future another step closer," and is hoping to deliver his brainchild to customers within the next 18 months -- plenty of time for us to hawk enough family heirlooms to afford that $86,000 price tag. Soar past the break for a video of the jetpack's big launch, or check out the source link for a more extensive interview with Martin and some background footage of his invention.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Martin Jetpack hits the 5,000 feet milestone, could come to market within 18 months (video)

Martin Jetpack hits the 5,000 feet milestone, could come to market within 18 months (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 May 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swiss rocketeer jetpacks above Grand Canyon, lives to tell the tale (video)

Amar Toor — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:42:00 EST

There's "crazy" and then there's "craaazy." Crazy is going swimming five minutes after eating, or wearing white after Labor Day. Craaazy, on the other hand, is Yves "Jetman" Rossy -- a Swiss flight fanatic who jetpacked across the Grand Canyon at 190-mph yesterday morning. Rossy's suicide mission began inside a helicopter hovering some 8,000 feet above the canyon's floor. After hurling himself out of the chopper, Jetman ignited his four-motor jetpack and, using his body as a rudder, gently steered himself across the abyss. The daredevil proceeded to coast for a full eight minutes at just 200 feet above the canyon ridge before he presumably realized that he was flying above the Grand Canyon and decided to parachute down to the bottom. Rossy completed the flight with his physical health fully intact, though his mental condition remains up for debate. Blast past the break for a video that'll throw your acrophobia into overdrive.

Continue reading Swiss rocketeer jetpacks above Grand Canyon, lives to tell the tale (video)

Swiss rocketeer jetpacks above Grand Canyon, lives to tell the tale (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Jetpack flies again, sees IPO on horizon but no commercial sales yet (video)

Vlad Savov — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:14:00 EST

We were all aflutter this time last year when it was announced that the Martin Jetpack was finally available commercially and would be heading out to eager buyers in exchange for $86,000. Regrettably, the time since then hasn't been filled with bunches of happy new owners levitating on the power of their dual-fan-equipped Jetpack and even less encouragement can be found on the product's website, which still says that sales to private individuals will begin only once "development and refinement" of the vehicle is complete. To that end, we've got video of the Jetpack's latest test, which shows it elevating as high as it's ever done, but even that's tinged by the fact it's carrying a testing dummy and is remotely controlled by a grounded human below. Ah well, at least the company itself seems to be in good shape still and is looking forward to floating about 30 percent of its value on the local stock market in order to gain extra funding. We get the feeling if they could just start selling the darn things, cashflow shouldn't be a problem. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Sean]

Continue reading Martin Jetpack flies again, sees IPO on horizon but no commercial sales yet (video)

Martin Jetpack flies again, sees IPO on horizon but no commercial sales yet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Water-propelled jetpack is no dream, can be yours for $99,500 this March (video)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:15:00 EST

It's taken a long time since that 2005 patent was filed for, but Raymond Li is now finally ready to bring his water-propelled jetpack to the money-spending world. Nailing down a March 2011 launch date and a price of $99,500 hasn't been easy for the inventor, who says his efforts to procure capital and prototyping quotations were mostly met with incredulity -- "almost everyone thought I was crazy." His JetLev personal transporter relies on an engine and fuel tank (which remain on the water's surface) to pump H20 into a backpack that then shoots out streams of the drinkable stuff to keep your airborne. Top speed is 22MPH, max height is nearly 33 feet, and the fun factor is somewhere off the scale, whether you're talking metric or imperial. Levitate past the break for a video demonstration.

[Thanks, Suraj]

Continue reading Water-propelled jetpack is no dream, can be yours for $99,500 this March (video)

Water-propelled jetpack is no dream, can be yours for $99,500 this March (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yves Rossy's jetpack loops a hot air balloon, looks great doing it (video)

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:57:00 EST

Looks like Swiss daredevil Yves Rossy is back to the, well, daredeviltry. On November 5, 2010, the self-described Jetman lept off a platform attached to the side of the Esprit Breitling Orbiter hot air balloon and, after reaching an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), came back to loop around the thing twice. He was aided in his endeavor by a new, smaller wing (two meters across) with four jets, and executed the maneuvers using only his body movements to steer. Afterward, he deployed his parachute and landed in Denezy, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. We might also add that we tried to get one of these devices for an Engadget Show giveaway, but our lawyers seem to think it's a terrible idea. Video after the break.

Continue reading Yves Rossy's jetpack loops a hot air balloon, looks great doing it (video)

Yves Rossy's jetpack loops a hot air balloon, looks great doing it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Jetpack priced at $86,000, mere mortals will soon be able to buy one too

Vlad Savov — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:24:00 EST

Tired of the limited legroom, bad food, and worse movies you have to put up with during a flight? Well, it's time to bust out your company credit card and get yourself a Martin Jetpack, which has just become the first commercially available jetpack. Driven by a pair of washing machine-sized fans strapped to your back, this personal transporter will give you a pretty cool 30 minutes of flight time and comes with a bunch of redundancy systems to ensure any mistakes don't turn fatal. The rotors are built out of a carbon / Kevlar composite and are powered by a two-liter V4 two-stroke engine capable of delivering 200hp (or 150kW). Good old gasoline is the fuel of choice here and private individuals are expected to be offered the chance to fulfill every geek and geekette's dream later this year. Just make sure you have $86,000 lying around to fund it.

Martin Jetpack priced at $86,000, mere mortals will soon be able to buy one too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Jetpack public test flights taking off in early 2010

Ross Miller — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:54:00 EST

Those crazy Kiwis at Martin Jetpack like to pop in every now and then to show off their eponymous flying craft, and though we still don't have a timeframe for plunking down $150,000 to own one and donning our best Boba Fett costume for the inaugural flight home, the company is making accommodations. Starting early next year in its hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand, you'll be able to try out the flight pack yourself as part of the Martin Jetpack Experience. The "low, slow" thrill ride won't hover above 3.3 feet or go faster than 6.2 miles per hour, but according to The New Zealand Herald, it's only expected to cost about as much as bungie jumping, and if you ask really nicely, we're sure they won't mind you wearing the costume anyway.

Filed under: Transportation

Martin Jetpack public test flights taking off in early 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crazy man in peroxide jetpack makes Guinness World Record attempt

Tim Stevens — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:42:00 EST

Scotland's Knockhill Racing Circuit is a little too small for setting land-based speed records, but there's apparently plenty of room above it for some airborne attempts. It was the site of a new Guinness World Record attempt for the fastest man in a jetpack, with pilot Eric Scott scoring a maximum speed of 68mph, verified by a police radar gun. His propulsion is basically the same hydrogen peroxide-based tech that enabled Bond to make a daring escape in Thunderball in the '60s, which sadly still means 30 - 40 seconds maximum flying time -- faster, but a little less impressive than the 30+ miles offered by the competition. It's now up to the officials at Guinness to decide whether the record is worthy of inclusion, but you can watch the video below and decide for yourself.

[Via OhGizmo!]

Continue reading Crazy man in peroxide jetpack makes Guinness World Record attempt

Filed under: Transportation

Crazy man in peroxide jetpack makes Guinness World Record attempt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Martin Jetpack flies again, but you still can't buy one

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:01:00 EST

You know, for a device as potentially bad ass as the Martin Jetpack is -- the company boasts a maximum range of 31.5 miles at 63 mph, and the ability to hover at 8,000 feet above ground effect -- the video we've seen thus far has been pretty lackluster. Of course, you can't actually get your hands on one anyways (check back in January 2010), but that isn't stopping the company from accepting your $10,000 deposit for the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Despite all that, we couldn't help but feel all a-flutter when we watched the newest clip and realized that someday soon our dreams of super heroism might be fulfilled -- and with a rocket strapped to our back, no less. Check it out for yourself after the break.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Continue reading Video: Martin Jetpack flies again, but you still can't buy one

Filed under: Transportation

Video: Martin Jetpack flies again, but you still can't buy one originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Water-powered Jetlev makes jetpacks fun for non-daredevils

Donald Melanson — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:53:00 EST

We first caught sight of this bit of technology in patent form way back in 2007 but, in a bit of a twist, it's now actually come to fruition, and could well soon be hurling you across a lake near you. As you can imagine, the jetpack works as described in the patent, with it employing a flexible hose / tether that gets paired with a separate vessel that houses the propulsion engine and other related systems. That apparently greatly improves the thrust to weight ratio compared to a standalone jetpack, and makes the system a good deal safer as a bonus. While it's still undergoing tests, the company says it'll be accepting orders for the first model, a 155 HP version, in April of this year, and it says that the first venues offering "flights" could be up and running as soon as this summer. Until then, you'll just have to make do with the video after the break.

[Thanks, JC]

Continue reading Water-powered Jetlev makes jetpacks fun for non-daredevils

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation, Wearables

Water-powered Jetlev makes jetpacks fun for non-daredevils originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fusionman: first to cross the English Channel via jet-wing

Stephanie Patterson — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:31:00 EST

Fusionman Yves Rossy, not to be confused with Buzz Lightyear, successfully crossed the English Channel today -- the first to do so in a solo flight with jet-propelled wing. Rossy was dropped from a plane at 8,200 feet and flew 22-miles in under 10 minutes from Calais to Dover. When asked by National Geographic's Kathryn Liptrott if he was worried about risk, Rossy replied, "I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk." We've so gotta meet this guy. If you're looking to pick up one of these jet powered carbon-fiber wings for your own unspeakable mischief, expect to pay around the $190,000 mark. Rossy is eager to see these aviation wonders catch on and has designs on forming a Red Arrows-style aerobatic team one day.

[Via BBC News]

Continue reading Fusionman: first to cross the English Channel via jet-wing

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Fusionman: first to cross the English Channel via jet-wing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Jetpack officially unveiled, lifts off on video

Darren Murph — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:20:00 EST

One of mankind's most adored gadgets (yes, the jetpack) is moving one step closer to mainstream today with the unveiling of the Martin Jetpack. Revealed in front of a crowd in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this human transporter is technically defined by the FAA as an "experimental ultralight airplane, equipped with a gas-powered, V-4 piston engine and two ducted fans that provide the lift." Currently, the $100,000 machine can only hover for around 30 minutes and rise to 8,000 feet, and those who sign up to purchase one will first have to complete 15 hours of flight training as well as a "safety screening." Check out an all-too-short video after the jump to see the device lift off, float around and land -- totally underwhelming, but the optimistic few will surely see promise.

Read - Martin Jetpack unveiling, video
Read - Details on Martin Jetpack
Read - More photos from EAA AirVenture

Continue reading Martin Jetpack officially unveiled, lifts off on video

Filed under: Transportation

Martin Jetpack officially unveiled, lifts off on video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXO-Wing is world's smallest jet -- worn like a backpack

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:21:00 EST

Oh daddy, would you look at that. Forget jetpacks, we've got a deep ache in our G-Jetson-loin for this, Atair Aerospace's EXO-Wing, the world's smallest human-piloted jet. Smaller even, than the Gryphon parachute. It's on display right now in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of its Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy collection. The only thing we know about the EXO-Wing is that the twin micro-turbine-powered contraption is light enough to be worn as a backpack. Hell, we don't even know if it really works. Regardless, we've got our weekend booked... up, up and away!

P.S. The webbed creature below the EXO-Wing is sporting an Aerosuit for skydivers and Aquaman wannabes with a thing for Tom Jones.

Gallery: EXO-Wing is world's smallest jet -- worn like a backpack

Read -- Atair's EXO-Wing
Read -- Super Heroes, Fashion and Fantasy exhibit

Filed under: Transportation

EXO-Wing is world's smallest jet -- worn like a backpack originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 May 2008 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Libelula rocket-powered helicopter backpack redefines danger

Donald Melanson — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:37:00 EST

Sure, you can get yourself a personal helicopter or, if you're particularly daring, a jet pack, but what about those that crave yet more danger in short 30-second bursts? As in, rocket-propelled helicopter blades a few inches from your head-type danger. Thankfully, the folks at Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana (makes of some of the aforementioned jet packs) have come to the rescue (so to speak), with their latest high-flying concept, the Libelula rocket-powered helicopter backpack. Apparently, the rockets on the tips of the blades are necessary to keep the whole rig counter-balanced, a job that would normally be done with a tail rotor on an ordinary helicopter. Of course, as you can no doubt surmise by the detailed illustration above, this one's still a ways away from getting its first test flight, but the folks at TAM do have a proven track record, so we wouldn't put it completely past 'em to get it off the drawing board sooner or later.

[Via Tech Digest]

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Libelula rocket-powered helicopter backpack redefines danger originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 May 2008 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The ThunderPack jetpack promises to make you a ThunderMan... for 37 seconds

Nilay Patel — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:31:00 EST

We've seen quite a few jetpacks come and go, but Thunderbolt Aerosystem's has managed to set its ThunderPack apart with marketing materials that promise to make you a "ThunderMan"... for 37 seconds and $100,000. Creator Carmelo "Nino" Amarena says his pack is an update of the hydrogen peroxide-powered packs of the 1950s, but that it's been updated to use two fuels and special catalysts and promoters -- which have led to bench test firing times of up to a whopping 75 seconds. We're not sure how that's going to be useful in military, disaster relief, or border patrol efforts like Amarena imagines, but we can sort of see how it might make a corporate event more interesting. Still, we just can't see giving up our feet, bikes, or cars for this or any other jetpack -- check out why in the video after the break.

Continue reading The ThunderPack jetpack promises to make you a ThunderMan... for 37 seconds

Filed under: Transportation

The ThunderPack jetpack promises to make you a ThunderMan... for 37 seconds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New jet-pack patent propels with water

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:09:00 EST

Sure, we all love jet packs. Who doesn't enjoy strapping a gigantic tube of highly flammable fuel to their back and igniting it so it can propel you hundreds of feet into the air? Well, an inventor named Raymond Li has a different idea, one which he's just managed to patent: a water-propelled rocket pack. The new design would use a system of conduits which route pressure to independently pivoting thrust nozzles, while the actual engine, pump, and dangerous gases remain floating on water in a self-contained, buoyant package. It's somewhat unclear if you'll be able to rocket over land using this device (the fact that the engine is water-based would suggest no), though it is an interesting development for jet-pack enthusiasts.

[Via Wired]

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

New jet-pack patent propels with water originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jet packs for sale! Life insurance sold separately

Donald Melanson — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:12:00 EST

It looks like those still bemoaning the lack of readily-available jet packs can now finally get a (brief) taste of the 21st century they once envisioned, as Popular Mechanics reports that two different wearable flying contraptions are now available for sale. Coming from Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana and Jetpack International, the jet packs will each give you about 30 seconds of flight time, with Jetpack International's model boasting a slight advantage in speed, topping out at 70 mph. Somewhat reassuringly, each also comes complete with the necessary flight training, although we wouldn't expect any less given the $250,000 and $155,000 price tags. Those who take the plunge may be suffering from some buyer's remorse before too long, however, as Jetpack International is reportedly working on a new model that'll give you a full 19 minutes of flight time.

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Jet packs for sale! Life insurance sold separately originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swiss daredevil cruises the friendly skies with winged jetpack

Darren Murph — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:35:00 EST

Sure, watching Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly buzz around the room at your command elicits quite a few positive emotions, but we can't even fathom the thrill (not to mention the feeling of impending death) that would come from cruising the skies via jetpack. Yves Rossy -- a Swiss daredevil whom we all look forward to living through vicariously -- says he has become "the first person to gain altitude and maintain a stable, horizontal flight thanks to aerodynamic carbon foldable wings." While we've seen jetpacks before, and realize that folks have taken to the air on similar devices in years past, Reuters is giving us a sneak peek at Rossy's flight, which he took on the kerosene-powered, back-strapped vehicle -- and we admit, it looks like quite the thrill ride. So if you're looking to quell your fears before picking up one of your own (hopefully) in a few years, be sure to hit the read link for a live action video (and a good reason to grin).

[Via Fark]

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Swiss daredevil cruises the friendly skies with winged jetpack originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GEN H-4 personal helicopter is for realz and for sale

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:07:00 EST

Remember that personal helicopter we peeped last year which some of you didn't think was real? Well, we tracked down the manufacturer and yeah, you guessed it, dug out the price. Ok, it's not exactly the Bell Rocket Belt we were promised back in the 60's when Engadget was an upstart think-tank focusing on emerging technology for the US military. Still, the Japanese built GEN H-4 co-axial helicopter features a 125cc, horizontally opposed 2 cylinder engine capable of launching your ass some 1,000-meters (about half a mile) high at a max speed of 90km/hour, or a bit more than a Sammy Hagar. While it would appear to lessen the risk of setting fire to your nether regions, any margin of safety gained is likely offset by the threat from decapitation. For as the machine translation states: the H-4 is not a finished product, yet is "probably" possible to self-assemble. Oh, ok then, can we just PayPal the ¥3,780,000 (about $32,500) or will a personal check suffice? Yet judging by the photo, it's safe enough for children to operate so let's not go all pansy just yet.

[Via Impress]

Filed under: Transportation

GEN H-4 personal helicopter is for realz and for sale originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skywalker jet packs in development

Darren Murph — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:19:00 EST

No matter how played flying cars, kayaks, and other strange contraptions are, the allure of a jet pack strapped onto your back just doesn't seem to lose its luster. Rick Herron, creator of Skywalker Jets, has devised a rocket pack that weighs about 90 pounds and can propel a 200 pound pilot around the air for what is likely the most invigorating 5 minutes of their life. The crazy part is this thing actually works, and it doesn't get your backside all crispy in the process. Rick plans on producing a finalized model that has a range of about 4 miles and includes a GPS unit integrated into a HUD showing flight time and engine information among other things. A prototype build solicited a bid over 10 grand from a hopeful buyer (or helpless Star Wars fan), and this project hopefully won't end here -- Rick plans to get the device approved by the FAA and available to anxious customers as soon as possible, and the good news is that becoming a rocketeer will only cost you a cool $200,000 if it goes into production.

[Via Mobilewhack]

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Skywalker jet packs in development originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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