Apr 25 2008Gryphon Glider Is Wicked Freaking Sweet
We've seen several different gliding apparatus here on Geekologie, and we've even posted the Gryphon before. So why again? Because many of you probably haven't seen it. Plus it's been updated yo. Now the stealthy looking bastard is down to 30 pounds, can carry 100 extra in a built in compartment (pic after jump), and the best part -- can now be fully weaponized. Two words: missiles and lasers and bombs. Is this making you as hot as it is me?
The Gryphon attack glider, designed to penetrate combat zones at 135 miles per hour, could revolutionize the art of parachuting. Its helmet has a heads-up display and provides on-board oxygen for the jump. To land, a soldier separates the wing from his pack and releases his parachute to slow his descent. The wing remains attached to the soldier by a cord and lands before him.
The wing is currently steered manually via rotary controls connected to the rudder, but SPELCO, the company behind it, hopes to add an electronic system to make it much easier to steer. If successful, they'll be dropping a commercial version! Man oh man I can hardly wait. Sure it's no jetpack, but if my shorts are any indication, that hasn't stopped me from riding the 4-Inch Express to Bonertown. *toot toot* All aboard!
Several more pictures of the pack and a link to a video, after the jump.
Attack Wing: Glider Makes Waves With Stealth and Speed [foxnews]
Thanks to Indo, who likes that real sticky-icky shit, for the tip
Reader Comments
1. PB&J - April 25, 2008 11:08 AM
Also in the news...88mm flak cannons make a surprise comeback.
2. Well Now - April 25, 2008 11:44 AM
I'm just waiting for this guy to scream...COBRAAA!
3. Scott - April 25, 2008 11:45 AM
As much as I am impressed by this glider I'd much rather talk about the time me and my brother went into the old haunted mansion up on route 47 near Buck ridge. Oh wait, I don't have a brother and I've never heard of Buck ridge.
But if I did and I had, well then I would have and I think you know what I'm getting at there....Hey Doc, can you loosen my straitjacket? It's starting to pinch right there....no, there....*I really want to laugh hysterically but then the doctor might think me to be deranged*
4. SmokingGirl - April 25, 2008 11:58 AM
4-inch express to Bonertown, huh. You poor, poor man Mr. Geekologie.
And on another note, this is pretty interesting...but I, uh, yea; I don't really care. Is that wrong?
5. RTH - April 25, 2008 12:01 PM
Sweet! The Cobra Claw is finally real!
6. jassclef - April 25, 2008 12:18 PM
This justifies the life-size TERROR DROME in my back yard!
7. Derwin - April 25, 2008 12:43 PM
If you watch the video, the music sounds like what would happen if Pink Floyd started doing pornography soundtracks.
8. Shoes - April 25, 2008 12:54 PM
This man is the Canadian Air Force.
9. Scott - April 25, 2008 1:06 PM
@6: I'd venture to guess that you don't even know what a "DROME" is, much less a "TERROR DROME".
10. SmokingGirl - April 25, 2008 2:52 PM
Is it a drome that's full of terror, Scott?
11. Rik - April 25, 2008 4:11 PM
Holy crap that is freaking awesome.
12. Shane - April 25, 2008 11:49 PM
Ah, what a bunch of crap, can't watch the video with Linux :(
13. mimang - April 26, 2008 1:25 AM
unimpressed. the guy totally looks like a virgin, virgin dork. sorry.
14. Super Duper! - April 26, 2008 1:41 AM
Just don't fly this thing near bridges. Or cliffs. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/07/1065292560465.html?from=storyrhs
15. Nancy Toby - April 26, 2008 4:11 PM
Are you sure that isn't just a "Realistic Buzz Lightyear"???
16. pickle - April 26, 2008 10:49 PM
that dude is so totally gonna augur in
17. Davis - April 27, 2008 3:20 AM
I hope he gets stuck in it.
18. groonk - April 27, 2008 10:14 PM
everyone went for the obvious GI Joe ref when it's obvious dude is Ace McCloud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5168yjG3Qw
that's right. i win this round of geekery. and by winning, i mean, i'm a sad pathetic loss.
19. Kendrick Ting - April 28, 2008 5:40 PM
Centurions...THANK YOU, i have been trying to figure out the name of that cartoon now for so long now. Those guys were the best.
20. GAFSoldier - May 2, 2008 12:44 PM
Hey guys- this thing is developed for and by the German army- not US or others... Its GERMAN!
21. Mvivanc - June 5, 2008 4:29 PM
no guate on this ?
omg