PERSONAL AIRBOURNE MOBILITY
Mankind’s quest into the skies is a story almost as old as its need for personal transportation by internal combustion engine – by some accounts it even predates it. Yet, due to costs involved, infrastructure availability and an entirely different rulebook when it comes to overcoming drag and gravity’s persistent pull, progress on the more personal front has been rather slow. But there is hope – as showcased by Jetman Dubai and the Jetwing that, in February, showed a successful flight by hovering off the ground, gain altitude and perform inflight manoeuvres. Considering the inherent limitations of personal flight, the Jetwing’s specifications are mighty impressive: It’s capable of 220 knots, or 407 km/h, with a highest-achieved altitude of 6,100 metres for a flight duration of 13 minutes. It may even be ready before the mainstream arrival of Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles that require vast networks and infrastructure development. On the downside, though, the Jetwing has no weather protection and converting fuel into usable thrust will be an expensive affair.