JB11 and Flyboard Air: customized aircraft for armies

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In the middle of the last century, the first projects of the so-called. jetpacks and other individual aircraft, but so far this technique has not gone into a series and has not found wide application. Nevertheless, new projects of this kind appear with enviable regularity, and their creators are trying to find support from the military departments. Curiously, several modern developments are already supported by the armies of different countries. A number of other creators of such aircraft are looking forward to receiving it in the near future.

It should be recalled that various projects of jetpacks and other apparatuses of the past were also developed with the assistance of the armies - above all, the US armed forces. And now the Pentagon is interested in another bold proposal and even made the customer in one of the new programs. France is also taking real action to develop individual aircraft.



JB11 for the Pentagon

Since 2016, the American company JetPack Aviation, David Meyman, has been working on a promising jetpack. In the previous period, the company created several samples of individual aircraft of one kind or another. Its development interested the US military, which led to the appearance of the state order. In 2016, the United States Navy Special Operations Command (US SOCOM NSWC) special operations command ordered JetPack Aviation to develop a new pack in accordance with their own requirements.


General view of the JP11 product


The military want a compact vehicle capable of transporting a fighter with weapons and other equipment through the air over short distances. The product must have a limited size and weight, allowing it to be transported by a serviceman. The required flight performance is also set.

In accordance with the wishes of NSWC, a jetpack called the JB11 JetPack was developed. It is based on the developments in previous projects of the company D. Meiman, but also introduced new ideas. In particular, a different power plant architecture and recycled controls are used. All this has led to an increase in the basic characteristics, including the duration of the flight and carrying capacity.

The JB11 satchel is built according to the pattern traditional for such aircraft. There is a main frame to which the suspension system and controls are attached to the front. On the sides of the engine are placed, and inside and behind the frame are installed certain structural elements, including a fuel tank of increased capacity.


Jetpack on trial


The power plant is built on the basis of the six turbojet engines of its own design with a load of 60 kg (total 240 kg). Motors are fixed rigidly and can not move. Existing engines should use kerosene or diesel. In the future, plans to develop engines for hydrogen fuel. With optimal fuel consumption, the flight duration is ensured (under normal load) to 10 min.

The knapsack is controlled with the help of two consoles placed in front of the pilot on the armrests. Implemented semi-automatic control principle. The pilot determines the direction of flight, speed, maneuvers, etc., and his commands are processed and converted into a digital computing unit responsible for the direct control of the units. Stabilization and maneuvering are performed due to synchronous or differential change of engine thrust.

The developers claim that the automation is capable of ensuring smooth flight, as well as compensating for the failure of several engines and safely lowering the aircraft to the ground. In case of more serious accidents, a parachute is provided. Its release is automated; the pilot is saved with his knapsack.


One of the control panels


The dry weight of the JP11 jet pack is defined in 115 pounds (52 kg). It is capable of carrying a pilot and a payload weighing no more than 230 pounds (104 kg). Under these conditions, the flight speed exceeds 180-190 km / h, the range is limited by flight mode and fuel consumption. The theoretical ceiling exceeds 4500 m. The cost in the existing configuration - 340 thousand dollars.

It is assumed that with such characteristics, the new development of JetPack Aviation will allow to quickly transfer soldiers to a given area in the absence of other acceptable paths. During the flight, the pilot will be able to move in the right direction, hover, change altitude and perform simple maneuvers.

To date, the company has launched a JP11 JetPack for testing. The first flights were carried out not in the complete set and on a leash. In the future, the composition of the units was brought to the design, which allowed the start of free flights. How soon the finishing will be completed and the knapsacks will be handed over to the military for their own tests - not specified.


Tests: a moment before the separation


US SOCOM, by order of which a promising project was created, has not yet announced its plans for new technology. Apparently, in the near future, army specialists will have to study the samples presented and draw conclusions. It is required to determine the real characteristics and capabilities, as well as to analyze the hypothetical ways of using jet packs in real operations and their effectiveness.

For obvious reasons, the US Special Operations Forces Command has so far refrained from commenting on the JP11 product. The developer company, in turn, speaks about the big future of the project and the whole direction. In particular, it is argued that interest in reactive bags already shows not only SOCOM, but also other Pentagon structures. Whether this interest will lead to real contracts is a big question.


JP11 JetPack in flight


Nevertheless, it should be noted that the fact of ordering a jet pack by the official structure attracts attention and can speak volumes. Apparently, the American army once again became interested in individual aircraft and is ready to consider promising models created on the basis of existing technologies. The next "trial" has some chances for success, but is not immune from failure.

Flyboard Air for the French Army

At the end of last year, the French Ministry of Defense supported a domestic company engaged in the subject of individual aircraft. At the end of November, demonstration flights took place using a new model for military purposes, after which a decision was made. Now the Ministry of Defense is supporting a private company, which must continue to develop core technologies for promising projects.


Zapata Flyboard Air on takeoff


This is an LA Flyboard Air from the company Zapata. This product is a compact platform with a power plant and other devices capable of lifting one person and a small load into the air. Already in the existing form of Flyboard Air is considered by the developer as a promising vehicle for special forces or the army as a whole. With the help of such products fighters will be able to quickly move over the battlefield or beyond.

The device Flyboard Air is designed as a compact platform, in the center of which is a block of four low-power turbojet engines. Next to them is the control equipment. On each side of the main power plant are the seat belts for the pilot. On the sides of the platform are two more engines. On the bottom provides the simplest chassis in the form of four fixed supports.

The pilot is invited to stand on the platform. In its place, it is fixed with safety straps for the legs. For safety during flight test pilots use backpack parachutes. The control is carried out with the help of a remote control having all the necessary organs on it. As in the case of jetpack from JetPack Aviation, the pilot commands must be processed by the on-board computer and transferred to control signals for the engines. Flight control and balancing are also carried out by changing the thrust of the engines in different combinations.


The machine is in hover mode


In its current form, the individual Zapata Flyboard Air LA weighs about 25 kg and can carry loads up to 100 km. The maximum flight speed reaches 140 km / h. Reached ceiling 150 m, flight duration - 6 min. The company-developer plans to develop the existing structure, as a result of which a sharp increase in characteristics is expected. They are going to bring the speed to 200 km / h, the ceiling to 3000 m, and the flight duration to half an hour. The capacity of the improved platform will double.

The company Zapata for a long time led its individual aircraft to the test and is now engaged in its promotion on the market. The main customers are civilian structures and extreme sportsmen. At the same time, the company intends to compete for contracts of the military department. To this end, last year were held demonstration events in which the device was used Flyboard Air.

JB11 and Flyboard Air: customized aircraft for armies
Vigorous maneuvering


24 last November, the French Special Operations Command (COS) assessed the real capabilities of the Flyboard Air product as part of the Defense Innovations Forum. In the presence of the country's leadership, a training battle took place with the use of standard samples and new equipment. During a demonstration event, special forces soldiers disembarked from a boat on the river pier and freed the hostages. At this time, the air was special forces with LA Flyboard Air. He provided air observation and cover for the main group.

The event was attended by the Minister of Defense Florence Parley. She noted that products like the Zapata Flyboard Air can be useful for COS units. It soon became known that the project could be developed with state support. In December, Zapata was connected to the RAPID program of the General Directorate of Arms (DGA). She relies on a grant for technology development and the creation of new designs.

Government funding is intended to improve existing technologies and search for new solutions. The main goal so far is to increase the basic flight performance, such as flight duration or payload. An additional goal of the program will be the creation of new compact turbojet engines with reduced noise. The search for improved technology in the field of engines is carried out in a separate subproject Turbine Z Air. Two years are allocated for all these works.


Pilot on Flyboard Air picks up speed


Probably, the deeply upgraded version of the Flyboard Air LA, which can take more load, fly longer and farther, as well as produce less noise, will have certain chances to enter into service with French special forces. In COS units or other structures of the French armed forces, such products can be used as light vehicles, ensuring high mobility of fighters. They can be used for quick delivery of soldiers to the desired area or for emergency evacuation.

The Zapata Flyboard Air project is already well known to the public, and the French command has recently become familiar with this aircraft. Based on the results of the study and demonstrations, a grant was issued for further work. Perhaps the existing product Flyboard Air will not go into service with France, but its improved version with enhanced performance may be subject to the order of COS.

Transportation of the future?

It should be noted that JetPack Aviation and Zapata are not the only creators of modern jetpacks or other individual aircraft. Similar devices are being developed by other organizations, but it is the projects of the American and French companies that are currently the most successful in the context of military use.


Flyboard Air as a vehicle for the machine gunner


While other developers are only demonstrating their projects and are trying to attract the attention of armies, American and French experts have already been able to enlist the support of military departments. The American company JetPack Aviation is developing its new project on the order of US SOCOM, and the French Zapata received a grant from the DGA for the further development of an existing aircraft. Their competitors in the field of individual aircraft cannot yet boast such success.

The result of ongoing work on both sides of the Atlantic in a few years should be two improved aircraft. American special forces will be offered a machine in the form of a jet pack, and their French colleagues will be offered a platform with engines. In the future, two samples will have to go through factory and military tests, on the results of which the army will be able to draw conclusions. What will be these conclusions, and what awaits a new technique - time will tell. Despite all the efforts of a number of enterprises, it is too early to talk about the beginning of the era of jetpacks in armies.

On the materials of the sites:
https://jetpackaviation.com/
https://zapata.com/
https://janes.com/
https://businessinsider.com/
https://theverge.com/
  • Ryabov Kirill
  • JetPack Aviation / jetpackaviation.com, Zapata / zapata.com
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29 comments
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  1. +4
    6 March 2019 07: 22
    Tony Stark approves, but believes that the developers still have work to do)
    1. +4
      6 March 2019 08: 11
      It’s really breathtaking from such videos :) It’s good that they have enthusiasts in this matter.


      PS Now we are waiting for flying cars. And, in particular, a flying taxi laughing
      1. +2
        6 March 2019 08: 40
        Quote: Subergeil
        PS Now we are waiting for flying cars. And, in particular, a flying taxi

        Now we are waiting for flying cars. And, in particular, flying Tanks.
    2. +1
      6 March 2019 09: 53
      Ivan Vanko will argue - "the drone is better."
      Well, what accuracy of firing does this flying person have? A quadrocopter with stabilization is better to shoot, in addition, it is invisible both visually and in noise.
      Fucked on it with a net - minus the pilot and minus the piece of iron.
      1. +2
        6 March 2019 10: 25
        Fucked on it with a net - minus the pilot and minus the piece of iron.
        Such a fighter can and buckshot. Moreover, it is enough to destabilize the flight, and not to shoot the carcass in the armor. Then he will break his own neck.
        These pieces have one more important problem - the load on the pilot:
        - at the backpack, in case of an energetic landing (more than 50 kg behind the backpack only, and also BC and other calculations) - for comparison, try to jump from 60-80 kg on the back from a height of one and a half meters. Knees, feet and ligaments will be a lot of fun. But the situation does not always favor an unhurried and sooo smooth landing.
        - the platform version has a problem with a big difference between the center of gravity of the entire apparatus-pilot system and the center of pressure that is formed by the engine thrust. This means that the entire flight, the fighter must very carefully strain attention to maintaining equilibrium and kicking compensation of all accelerations. Both when driving in a straight line, and with vigorous lateral or vertical maneuvering. But still follow the situation, take part in the battle, compensate with the muscles of the legs for the inertia of a heavy backpack with a calculation. Slightly relaxed and lose your balance with a subsequent fall.
  2. -1
    6 March 2019 07: 26
    A simpler approach is an individual wing + balloon with helium (and even just hydrogen). A sort of personal mini-airship.
    1. 0
      6 March 2019 08: 18
      As it stands, the individual Zapata Flyboard Air weighs about 25 kg and can carry the load to 100 km. The maximum flight speed reaches 140 km / h. A ceiling of 150 m was reached, the flight duration was 6 minutes.
      Explicit typo. The context is about 100 kg. And this is still very little.
      A simpler approach is an individual wing + balloon with helium (and even just hydrogen). A sort of personal mini-airship.
      The cylinder is too not practical:
      1. The dimensions of the cylinder for a steady hold of 120 kg (a soldier with a combat calculation) are too large.
      2. This creates a problem of wind load and a restriction in flight dynamics.
      3. The same radically increases the visibility and vulnerability of the pilot. Especially at low altitude.
  3. +1
    6 March 2019 08: 00
    flight duration (at normal load) up to 10 min.
    flight speed exceeds 180-190 km / h

    We count. We take, for even counting, the speed is 180 km / h, a total of 3 km / min, we multiply by 10 minutes of flight and we get a throw radius of 30 kilometers, minus the "safety zone", after all, they will not launch these "letak" area up to 25 km, maximum.
    Cost of flying vehicle
    in the existing configuration - 340 thousand dollars.

    We multiply by the number of people in the group and we get the amount that must be "thrown into the wind" at once, because there is no "gasoline" on the way back.
    And is it worth it to fence the garden?
    what request fellow
    1. 0
      6 March 2019 10: 11
      We multiply by the number of people in the group and we get the amount that must be "thrown into the wind" at once, because there is no "gasoline" on the way back.
      And is it worth it to fence the garden?
      You're right. And compare with a salvo of battery artillery the most common OFS. For the cost of these pepelats, it will be possible to spud the selected area at the indicated distance no less than a carriage of shells. It is possible not by artillery, but by MLRS, carpet bombing, and a drone that is baraging to send, and not one. All this will be cheaper and more effective than several foot soldiers with zinc cartridges and a couple of three grenades on the nose.
  4. 0
    6 March 2019 09: 24
    All this certainly has a positive only in the fact that the process is going on and the music is playing. Therefore, it is necessary to change the fundamental basis of the work of propulsors in order to use the resistance of the environment in which it operates and the flight is completed.
  5. +1
    6 March 2019 12: 52
    For special forces during the assault on a high-rise building, for example, a useful thing.
    1. +2
      6 March 2019 13: 32
      When storming a high-rise building, arrows are sitting in the windows and, if not fools, then on the roof (just where the flyer slows down). Shooter in the shelter, and the flyer as a pimple on the intimate folds of the body.

      Not an option!
      1. 0
        6 March 2019 14: 30
        Shooters in the windows can be suppressed by point fire and snipers
        1. +2
          6 March 2019 16: 52
          Well, if so why fly to the roof, there are small doors and arrows. If you crush the shooters on the roof with fire, there is a wonderful thing called a helicopter.
  6. +1
    6 March 2019 13: 15
    A platform with a high center of mass, this is for suicides. One awkward (sharp) movement by the hull and the pilot flies accurately with the skull down, and engines with a force of 100 kg / s push him.
    1. 0
      7 March 2019 01: 30
      A platform with a high center of mass, this is for suicides. One awkward (sharp) movement by the hull and the pilot flies accurately with the skull down, and engines with a force of 100 kg / s push him.

      No more dangerous than a Segway. The control system compensates for deviations of the center of gravity. And not only back and forth, but also across.
      1. 0
        7 March 2019 18: 07
        What happens if a person falls from a segway? And you do not take into account the inertia of the system: due to its strong adhesion to the surface, the segway reacts faster and more accurately than turbojet engines, and even a person as an unpredictable hinge system (a sharp change in the thrust force and vector, can cause different reactions of this hinge system: bending the knee, one or two, etc .... and hello relatives.)
        1. 0
          7 March 2019 23: 25
          What happens if a person falls from a segway?

          Have you driven a segway or hoverboard yourself? I'm skating. It took 5 minutes to learn to stand, and I went confidently after 10. After a while, purely instinctively, you "earn money" by tilting your feet. A person does not fall suddenly, there is a time for correction, three seconds. As if walking, you don't think where to put or turn the "hinge system".
          1. -1
            7 March 2019 23: 46
            Dear, sp77ark, I meant that if you jump off this device or at worst fall to the fifth point, from the height of this very point, then rub it and go further .........

            Regarding the hinge system, I explain what I meant: the segway compensates for your fall in front or back (it is easier for him), the device under discussion compensates for a much larger number of vectors.
            Suppose you lose your balance (here the bullet flew and yeah, in the sense you jerked sharply), the right front engine compensating for this movement quickly builds up power based on the fact that you are straining your legs (the same articulated system), and they are relaxed or you are doing the opposite movement not compatible with the machine or tilt the housing, etc. And God forbid to get the lightest scratch in the leg.
            Am I clear?
            1. 0
              8 March 2019 14: 37
              Yes it is clear. But I only meant that it was a fairly well-managed system. And, like any vehicle, it has both application restrictions and unique capabilities. How, for example, about throwing a capture or rescue group off the roof of a high-rise building in 10 seconds?
              A bullet can fly and a motorcyclist, and a driver, and a helicopter pilot. And protective equipment (screen, parachute, paraglider, springs on boots laughing ) is an orthogonal question.
              As for the balance - you can monitor the deviation of the sensors (on the body, head) from the center - not the point.
              Most importantly, they developed a supporting platform - well done.
              1. -1
                8 March 2019 18: 05
                Regarding the roof drop, I wrote above.
                And in this post, I believe that it is impossible to use such an unstable platform for military purposes. She must be self-stabilizing and point. The center of mass should be below the thrust vector. The usefulness of combat use is another matter.

                I completely admit individual flight means such as a small wing made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and even with engines for amphibious landing, however, this will require higher qualifications from the paratroopers.
  7. 0
    6 March 2019 17: 40
    The option to land "seals" on a ship seized by terrorists, without the use of RIB and helicopters, is not being considered?
    Noise level like a helicopter or lower, visibility, respectively, is also lower. In order to board a normal ship (height and complexity presented) to climb with the gum it is still necessary to sweat.
    1. +1
      6 March 2019 18: 55
      Well, if the terrorists are not fools, then they will put a circular watch. In addition, the ship is a very complex location for the landing of such funds (cables, antennas, rails, cranes, beams, pipes, etc.). After landing, it’s tedious to immediately unfasten your legs, otherwise there will be problems .....
  8. +1
    6 March 2019 17: 56
    Kindergarten, and where will these warriors fly on these brooms of a woman-yaga? -Is there an UAV?
  9. 0
    6 March 2019 19: 40
    A great thing to move over rough terrain, climbed half a meter and no matter the ditches, the lake, it took over the trees. But if you can still come to terms with noise, then the power reserve and motor resources are no good. In order for these things to become individual, they must work regularly for months, and spend hours without refueling, especially in the army.
    1. 0
      7 March 2019 18: 40
      If you really want to travel over rough terrain at a low altitude, get yourself something on an air cushion. Much more economical and you can fly lying on your belly (so inconspicuous ;-).
  10. 0
    6 March 2019 21: 04
    The French apparatus is generally an extreme circus, as it was imagined that the pilot was knocked back by a gust of wind - legs themselves twitched in horror))).
    Why can not you combine both schemes? The platform on which the pilot stands, further on the rack to which he fastens and which protects the back from the exhaust, at the level of the shoulders (or slightly lower) engines. Small folding wing-planes with flow orientation (albeit small, but still lifting force). And fuel can be stored in them.
  11. The comment was deleted.
  12. 0
    6 March 2019 23: 06
    Like the fun at the resort - yes. For the special forces you need something else - for example a paraglider with a silent engine soldier
  13. 0
    8 March 2019 00: 50
    Later it turned out that self-donning boots are more expensive than a motorcycle and are afraid of dust and dampness.
  14. The comment was deleted.

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