Runners are always chasing that elusive four-minute mile, and with good reason: it represents a great deal of dedication and physical training. Jason Kerestes, a student at Arizona State University, is working with DARPA to help regular people reach that insane goal. He hasn’t discovered a new way to train or invented a great new pair of shoes – he built a jetpack.

When we think of jetpacks we usually picture them helping us fly far, far above the ground, but the 4MM (4 Minute Mile) is designed to give runners a horizontal boost. In tests, it helped an already-fast runner shave 18 seconds off of his mile time. That may not sound like a lot, but the jetpack itself added 11.2 pounds to the runner’s torso, so the overall effect is greater than it seems.

The dual-jet, lithium-ion battery powered prototype still has a lot of revisions and refining ahead of it. Its ultimate intended goal is to help military troops haul ass out of dangerous situations. In a combat zone or other dangerous situation, even 18 extra seconds could mean the difference between life and death. Using the jetpack also decreases metabolic energy expenditures so runners could potentially run for longer times and distances than would be possible on their own.

The post Fly Like the Wind: Jetpack Helps You Run a 4 Minute Mile first appeared on Gajitz.

When New Zealand’s Martin Aircraft Company announced plans for a “practical jetpack,” this oxymoron of a device no doubt raised a few eyebrows. Originally slated for a mid-2014 commercial release, it’s been retooled and the company hopes it will be available for consumers by 2015. If the above picture is any indication, cult leaders will find it perfect for an escape hover just above the heads of their demystified followers.

The Martin Jetpack’s initial applications will be in first responder-type scenarios like fire and rescue. On a full tank, the gasoline-powered beast can remain in the air for around 30 minutes and travel about 20 miles at up to 46 MPH. The company most recently improved the handling on its P12 prototype by re-positioning the craft’s ducts.

For ideal performance and safety, Martin suggests the jetpack be piloted above 500 feet, mainly to give its rocket-deployed ballistic parachute time to open. It will also require the user to wear a helmet, neck restraint, boots, a fireproof suit and hearing protection. By the time it reaches the US market, it is expected to carry a relatively-modest $100,000 price tag.

The post In Mid-Air: First Consumer-Available Jetpack Ready In 2015 first appeared on Gajitz.