Dubai based Jetman is making headlines for the world’s first 100 per cent autonomous human flight.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, took to his Instagram profile @faz3 to post a video where Jetman pilot Vince Reffet can be seen successfully launching into the air from the runway of Skydive Dubai and flying up to an altitude of 1,800 metres.
The milestone project has been accomplished with the support from Expo 2020 Dubai.
Reffet was equipped with a carbon fibre wing powered by four mini jet engines. Controlled by the human body, the equipment enables Jetman to reach speeds of 400kmh, as well as hovering, changing direction and performing loops.
Travelling at an average speed of 240kmh, he climbed 100 metres in the air in eight seconds, 200 metres in 12 seconds, 500 metres in 19 seconds and 1,000 metres in 30 seconds.
Three engineers – Mohammed Rashid Chembankandy from India, André Bernet from Switzerland and chief engineer Matthieu Courtois from France – developed the pioneering technology that helped make the flight possible.
The research has put a lot of emphasis on risk reduction parameters. Should an engine failure have occurred at low altitude, Reffet was backed by a pyrotechnic safety parachute that reduces the critical phase of his flight to four seconds (when his altitude is between 5 and 50 metres).
Mission: Human Flight has also been training Ahmed Alshehhi, the first Emirati Jetman, as the UAE prepares to welcome 192 nations and millions of global visitors for Expo 2020 Dubai.
For more information, visit www.jetmandubai.com.