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Fusion Man Sports Rocket Wings - Adventure Travel Hits New Extremes

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GG Staff | 05/15/2008 - 09:28 | Add new comment

Extreme sport or next-gen tourist attraction?

If you thought zip-lining over the rainforest ("flying" while fastened by cables) is an extreme way to adventure, you should check out Yves Rossy's new jet-powered wings. They aren't an eco-friendly way to travel, but you know the unobstructed bird's eye view would be an amazing way to see the scenery.

Fusion Man Flies: ReutersFusion Man Flies: Reuters After four years of development, the extreme sports enthusiast (known as "fusion man") pushed the connection between man and machine to the next level. He dropped from a plane wearing wings and a flight suit, started to glide, and then all of a sudden, he was flying over the Alps.

His wings use 4 engines and let him reach speeds of up to 186 miles per hour. Right now he's only willing to perform the stunts above land, but next year's challenge is a trip across the English Channel. Eventually, he's hoping that bigger wings with bigger engines let him glide across the Grand Canyon.

Rainforest Sky RidesRainforest Sky RidesDon't get too excited about seeing flying suits for rent popping up at tourist attractions - the price tag on his current suit has already reached $285 000. Still, Rossy said that he believes the wings will eventually be available for other extreme sports enthusiasts. Until then, it's plain old zip-lining, parasailing, and hang-gliding for the rest of us.

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