What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Like all males in my age cohort, every day is a struggle to deal with the same angry, burning question: where are those jet packs we were promised in the 60's? Because let's face it: without them, the rest of our so-called modern technological "marvels" -- like nanobots, iPhones, and Roombas -- are merely the bitter fruit of Science's shameful legacy of failure.
But now, just in time for Cinco de Mayo, and on the heels of Earth Week, reader Brian Knotts forwards the latest in South-of-the-Border transportation technology: personal strap on Mexican rocket helicopters!
That's right -- honest to goodness personal flight technology from our science amigos to the south. Brian writes:
Technologia Aeroespacial Mexicana (TAM) has designed a strap-on helicopter. Tiny rockets on the tips of the propellers eliminate the need for a tail rotor, making it possible for the device to be worn on a human body.
More about this marvelous apparatus here.
Longtime readers know that I'm an enthusiast of rocket-powered personal transportation, so you can imagine how happy I was to learn of this breakthrough. I suppose I was a tad disappointed the design utilizes a whirring, 2000 rpm rotor blade rather than pure rocket thrust, but science often involves compromise. As long as it cuts down my travel time to the liquor store, who am I to quibble?
So here's a big thank you to Brian and a grande gracias to Technologia Aerospacial Mexicana for restoring this hardbitten cynic's faith in the future. Andele! Arriba!
Right now, Pat Buchanan is filling his pants with terror-shit at the thought of thousands of rocket-pack-equipped illegals crossing our southern border like a swarm of giant, job-stealing killer bees! I can already hear the mariachi band cover of "Flight Of The Valkyrie" as I type...
Posted by: COOP | May 05, 2008 at 12:21 PM
It's like Pancho Villa meets George Jetson!
Posted by: Boogie Man | May 05, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Old stuff. The ramjet helicopter was around in 1956.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YH-32_Hornet
Keep workin' compadres! You're only 52 years behind.
Posted by: Anon 1:50 | May 06, 2008 at 10:12 AM