CAN JETPACKS REPLACE HELICOPTERS TO SAVE PEOPLE'S LIVES?

There was a time when jetpacks were part of science fiction. However, thanks to technological advances, jetpacks, devices with back-mounted engines, and handheld controls, have become a reality.

However, these flying machines, sought after by some for recreation and extreme sports, may also be suitable for search and rescue operations. In fact, a number of mountain rescue crews have already begun implementing jetpack technologies.

Categories of jetpacks

In order to consider whether a jetpack could be used to rescue people, it is important to look at the machine's design features. Depending on the nature of the power required, jetpacks can be divided into three categories: hydrogen peroxide-powered rocket packs, hydrojet packs, and turbojet packs.

When it comes to hydrogen peroxide-powered rocket packs, the technology used is considered to be one of the oldest. These rocket packs are powered by hot gas which results from a chemical reaction when nearly pure hydrogen peroxide meets a catalyst, usually silver. Due to the exothermic reaction, a mixture of steam and hot gas is released, which is then directed into the rocket pack's nozzles to create a thrust that lifts the device off the ground.

Meanwhile, hydrojet packs are designed slightly differently. The technology used to power hydrojet packs is similar to that used on a jet ski. It features a jet propulsion engine, which has an impeller that uses rotating fan blades to suck water into the engine and then forcefully eject it. Water is used as a high-density propulsion fluid which is supplied via a long flexible hose to feed the water to the jet nozzle pack attached to the pilot's body. A hydrojet pilot can control water flow rate using a remote actuator or a throttle.