The goal behind the Arizona State University project is to help a runner (or more specifically, a soldier) run a 4 minute mile. This translates into a sustained speed of 24.14 km/h, which is actually pretty fast. These sort of speeds are only possible to achieve for elite runners and the world record currently stands at 3:43.13. But how can the average Joe runner, or a soldier weighed down by gear, achieve these speeds? With a jetpack of course!
The system is a jetpack in name, but technically it's actually an electric ducted fan, rather than a fuel burning jet. It weighs in at 5.2 kg and straps to the runners back with supports and straps to spread the thrust and load. Augmenting our natural abilities is a tricky prospect and the team did a lot of experimentation before hitting on the right formula with the jetpack. For now they are still testing and improving the design and have not hit the 4 minute mile mark, but have scrubbed off 18 seconds, which is a pretty good start.
Check out more info over at ASU.
