Man flies accross English Channel using self-made wing
September 26th, 2008A Swiss man has become the first to cross the English Channel using a single jet-propelled wing after jumping out of a plane at 8200 feet.
Yves Rossy is a 49-year-old former military pilot you used to fly Mirage fighters for the Swiss army and now flies an Airbus.
Mr Rossy aimed to reach speeds of up to 125mph but in the event managed 120mph during the 22 mile crossing from Calais to Dover — still an amazing feat.
Mr Rossy said:
“(It felt) great, really great. I only have one word, thank you, to all the people who did it with me.”
Known as “Fusionman,” he was aiming to follow the route taken by French airman Louis Blériot 99 years ago when he became the first person to fly across the English Channel in a plane.
The jet-pack wing was designed by Rossy himself, and is constructed from a lightweight carbon composite; despite measuring eight feet across, even with fuel it weighs a mere 55kg (120lb). Since having four jet turbines blaring next to your legs will do more than strip the hair from them, Rossy had to wear a flameproof suit for the attempt
Landing was courtesy of a parachute and crossing your fingers for somewhere relatively soft and tree-free. Mr Rossy now plans to fly over the Grand Canyon, taking off from a standing position on the ground and performing acrobatics.
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