By Evan Ackerman
When it comes to the future, I don’t care that much about flying cars… Just get me a jetpack. We’ve been following Yves Rossy’s flying jet wing for about a year, and on Wednesday, he tried to fly from Europe to Africa across the straits of Gibraltar, a distance of about 23 miles.
He, um, didn’t quite make it, suffering a “wing malfunction” (whatever that means) just minutes into the flight (he himself was fine):
Yeah, so that last part kinda sucks, but the first part looks incredibly awesome. I still want one.
Most reports say he was travelling the other way, from Morroco, Africa to Spain. Some say he made all but 3 miles, others say he gave up after 4 minutes of 15 minute journey.
What is more interesting is what his plans for crossiing the Grand Canyon in USA in April are. Is he going to jump from a plane, or jump off the side of a cliff. What is his backup plan if he encounters more turbulence? There is not much open water to land in, only rock.
I plan to do this with 5,000 bottle rockets strapped to my back.
That is really awesome. I mean except for the failing part. The fact that it has gotten this far, is a great sight to see. I wish him much success on his next journey.
I plan to do this with 5,000 bottle rockets strapped to my back.
That is really awesome. I mean except for the failing part. The fact that it has gotten this far, is a great sight to see. I wish him much success on his next journey.