Water-fueled "jet pack"

The Jetlev-Flyer is a tethered jet pack that uses water instead of rocket fuel. The pressurized water is pumped up a hose attached to a custom Jet-Ski. From Popular Science:

It took four prototypes and more than 200 flight tests to get it right. But now, with a mere 30-pound pack, the Jetlev-Flyer is almost ready for production, generating 430 pounds of thrust and letting (Raymond) Li fly forward at 22 mph up to three stories high. His next unit will get up to 35 mph. Want one? Late this year, the craft will go on sale–just be ready to dish out close to 130 grand.

"A Water-Powered Jetpack"

Previously:

David Pescovitz is Boing Boing's co-editor/managing partner. He's also a research director at Institute for the Future. On Instagram, he's @pesco.

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jfrancis

I almost bought one, but I’m waiting for the gasoline / twin flamethrower version. People of Earth! Fear me!
mellowknees

Someone notify Joe Rogan like now.

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?title=joe-rogan-jetpacks&videoId=63538
Anonymous

You could buy an airplane for the same price.
merreborn

Still a bloody waste of water.

I don’t think that the water is being ejected to another dimension.

Potable water is a precious, limited commodity. And once potable water is sprayed out of this contraption, it ceases to be potable.

We really do need to be cautious with our water use.
http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/magazine/16-05/ff_peakwater
- Antinous / Moderator
  
  And once potable water is sprayed out of this contraption, it ceases to be potable.
  
  Isn’t he in a lake? With speedboats and jet-skis? Do we think that water districts will allow jet packs in reservoirs?
The Unusual Suspect

And what happens when you fly a little too high and drag your water supply hose out of the lake?
jimkirk

So I can go 22 mph, until the hose runs out.

Reminds me of those plug-in electric cars, complete with extra long extension cord.
Editz

I’d hate to suck a fish into that thing while three stories up.
Brainspore

@ Jimkirk:

The pump trails along behind you in the lake. It’s not for commuting, it’s for fun- like a jet ski. That can FLY.
Takuan

any liquid could serve as reaction mass. A tanker truck of slaughterhouse blood for example.
Anonymous

I prefer the original, even though the hydrogen peroxide empties out way too fast! Somebody got to have a better solution!
freeyourcrt

Too bad about the umbilical cord.
pentomino

1. he’s not wearing a helmet?

2. Hey, Super Mario Sunshine!

3. Wait a minute. Mario never wears a helmet!
dougrogers

Only 130 grand? not bad.. The baking soda ones are 250 grand.
Avram / Moderator

You can fly over farmland and irrigate crops at the same time.
Brainspore

Isn’t this a re-post?

I still like the idea of flying firefighters though.
Guysmiley

Powered needs to be in quotes as well.

Is a car “rubber powered” because it uses wheels to move?
Anonymous

Still a bloody waste of water.
- Antinous / Moderator
  
  Still a bloody waste of water.
  
  I don’t think that the water is being ejected to another dimension.
Anonymous

This looks amazingly fun, but calling it “water-fueled” is misleading.

The water jets are just the means of propulsion. The article mentions a (presumably gas-fueled) 260hp engine that powers the onboard pump to creates the jets.
LOLvis

It’s a grown-up version of one of the most awesome toys ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ZeS6vF1-M
Anonymous

@23

I like the way you think.

I wonder if they guy who did the art installation featuring the cube full of semen still has it all…

Man 1: “Is that guy flying towards us?”

Man 2: “Huh? Wait. What’s that smell?”

Man 1: “RUN! OH GOD RUN!”

Me: “Muhahaha!”
mdh

And once potable water is sprayed out of this contraption, it ceases to be potable.

because nothing poisons water like pumping it?
Newman

You guys previously posted this to BBGadgets, along with the promo video: http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/04/28/jetlev-a-jetpack-you.html

…and I still stand by my previous statement: I want one!
shadowfirebird

He’s not flying. He’s still attached to the ground. That pipe is not a tether, it’s part of the propulsion system.

Might as well buy a small crane and a large garden hose.
jimkirk

Brainspore, Ahh.. thank you!
dougrogers

I need one to water the lawn.
Anonymous

Why is that guy’s hair blue? Did he drink antiparalytic food colouring?
Clemoh

Heaven forbid that you should accidentally swing your leg under one of those jets. Instant self-flaying.
Anonymous

Of all the things to do with a new jet-pack, who’s crazy idea was it to give it to the Hitler impersonator?