First Intercontinental Jet-Powered Wing Flight Foiled By Weather

50-year-old inventor and adventurer Yves Rossy was forced to ditch in the Atlantic Ocean during an attempt last week to cross the Straits of Gibraltar using his jet powered wing. Rossy said clouds and weather caused him to abort the attempt.

File Photo

The Times of London reports that Rossy attemper to fly 24 miles from Tangier in Morocco to Atlanterra in southern Spain, at a speed of almost 140mph. He launched from an aircraft in flight, deployed his jet wing, and headed towards Spain. The carbon fiber wing has a span of about 8 feet, is powered by four jet engines, and steered by the pilot's body movements.

Rossy later told reporters that his wing is “not easy to fly” and the clouds added to the difficulties. While travelling at speeds of between 155 and 185 miles per hour at an altitude of 2,700 feet, he said he found himself descending towards the water. He jettisoned the wing and deployed his parachute. Spanish Coast Guard vessels were expected to recover the wing.

Rossy made history in 2008 by flying the wing across the English Channel from France to England. He said last week's attempt was only his first, and that he intends to try again sometime next year.

“Nothing worthwhile has ever been achieved on the first attempt,” he said. “One tries and tries again.

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