Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Jet packs for U.S. soldiers? Yes, it could happen - The Washington Post

Jet packs for U.S. soldiers? Yes, it could happen - The Washington Post: The U.S. military hasn’t been shy about its desire to use technology to develop a new generation of super soldiers. But here’s one effort that is sure to raise eyebrows: jet packs to make combat troops faster on foot.

The equipment is worn like a backpack as part of Arizona State University’s “4MM” project, according to a new video released by the school. That stands for “four-minute mile,” which researchers want all U.S. service members to be able to do while wearing the jet pack.

“In a warfare-type arena, this could be potentially the difference between life and death,” Jason Kerestes, a research on the project, says in the video. “If you think of a Navy SEAL or an Army soldier that has to get in somewhere quick and do whatever they’ve go to do, but maybe get out of there just as quickly … these devices can really help soldiers to not only accomplish their goals and succeed in their missions, but potentially save human lives as well.”