NASA Announces Designs for Personal Flying Suit

I wants one!!!

I think I would rather have a sail plane like this from Windward Performance. They also make prop versions that are two-seaters and can use electric propulsion. They claim 100 miles for less than a $2.00 electric charge!

Specifications for the SparrowHawk

Weights

Empty weight 155 lbs

Gross weight 415 lbs

Dimensions

Wing Span 36.1 ft

Wing Area 70.0 ft2

Aspect Ratio 18.6

Length 20.6 ft

Horizontal Span 6.7 ft

Vertical Span 4.5 ft

Structural Limits

Wing Loading 5-6 lbs/ft2

Maneuver limit load factors +5.48/-4.0g

Maneuvering and Rough Speed Limit 80 kts

Redline 123 kts

Pilot and Controls

Accommodates pilots from 5'0" to 6'3" and from 145 lbs to 240 lbs

Center stick control, rudder pedals, and left-hand mounted spoiler actuator

CG hook, retractable, of custom design

Schempp-Hirth style spoilers on the upper wing surface

Pilot adjustable cockpit ventilation

How much $ ??

When first introduced they were low $30K. Now I think they have hit low $40K.

They have a high performance glider that is $105K. That's way out of my league, but the performance numbers are very impressive.

Windward is also building the sail plane for the Perlan Project. That aircraft is going for the sail plane altitude record at a target altitude above 100,000 feet. Obviously, this requires extreme technology, including a space suit much like those employed in the U2. All this adds weight and a pressurized cabin is in the works. The project stalled with Steve Fossett's death and a new source of funding is being sought.

Steve Fossett set the world's altitude record of 50,727 feet in 2006 with this project.

One of my instructors holds the women's US altitude record at over 32,000 feet. Amazing what you can do with an aircraft that does not have any propulsion but thermal lift of air.

As a glider pilot myself, my concern would be visibility. Views above and behind would be difficult to scan.

I think it is simply an artist's conception, but you are right, SA is not very good.

Ladies & Gentlemen, the picture on the left would be a true Personal Flying Suit and not the picture of a glider posted by Anonym.Hero. Please do not be misled!!

Here is one more on your right.

I truly wonder how much traffic has already been generated for something (Such as a Glider), which is far off the mark. Leave alone engineering or technical considerations-it beats simple common sense!!!

I love Pilots, glider Pilots included.

How is this a PERSONAL FLYING SUIT?? There indeed are working wearable flying suits.

Why waste time on inappropriate illustrations??

Did you all realized how much fun those guys experience everyday and are paid for, no matter what they are doing? I want that job... not the suit...