The seeming lack of any responsive ripples as this invention is dropped in the pond of history could be simply because, at first blush, it looks just like James Bond’s jetpack stunt. That thirty seconds of on-screen time (which incidentally, was also its real-life endurance) forever cemented the idea that a Buck Rogers future was here, if albeit impractical.
At least, that was my reaction at this video. Until Vince Reffet throttled up further, leaned forward, and FLEW OFF INTO THE SUNSET!
Not simply drifted away - he FLEW. Fast, far, and with great control. And loops and rolls to prove this was no 14bis, this was Wilbur Wright in 1908 Paris.
Forget drones. Where do I get one of these? Do I need a multi-engine turbine rating?
PS - speaking of drones, I suspect this jet-pack has some kind of drone-like computer-controlled system on board. It could be “just” a four-into-one thrust controller that minimizes power differences and handles engine-out scenarios. Or it may be some kind of Segway-like stability system with mini-thrust vectoring. How else would you get a device like this to pivot in place with just a CG shift? However it’s done, it’s impressive.
PPS - has anyone seen a bird do an actual loop? Not being tumbled, or briefly inverted, but an actual loop? I remember reading Richard Bach’s frustration at seagulls, despite being rated and equipped, coming tantalizingly close in their maneuvers but never actually doing a real loop.