Jet man flies into record books
Jet man flies into record books
2008-09-29Newsfeed
A Swiss adventurer has become the first person to fly solo across the English Channel using a single jet-propelled wing.
A Swiss adventurer has become the first person to fly solo across the English Channel using a single jet-propelled wing.
Yves Rossy, also known as Fusionman, leapt from a plane more than 8,200ft (2,500m) above France and soared more than 100mph over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes powered by four jets on his home-made wing.
The 49-year-old daredevil parachuted safely to the ground yards from the white cliffs of Dover.
Poor weather conditions had forced Rossy to postpone two previous attempts at the record but undeterred Rossy completed a few loops beyond the landing site before landing on British soil near the South Foreland lighthouse.
Over the past few months, he has been fine-tuning the wing's design and performance and carried out several test flights in wind tunnels and above the Swiss Alps.
His wing weighed about 120lb with fuel and included four simple, kerosene-burning jet turbines to keep him airborne and propel him.
Created from a lightweight carbon composite, the wing had no steering devices, meaning Rossy had to use his head and back to control the wing's movement.
He was fitted with a special suit, helmet and parachute to protect him from the jet turbines mounted just inches from him on the wing.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
