Water-Powered Jet Pack Lets Users 'Fly'

Adrenaline junkies who have always fancied themselves as James Bond can now mimic their hero by flying through the air wearing a water-powered jet pack.

The new invention uses a powerful pump to blast users up to 28ft above a sea or lake wearing a contraption that looks similar to the one sported by Sean Connery in Thunderball.

"We decided at the outset that jet packs are not practical for commuting and should primarily designed for recreation," Jetpack Adventures, the company responsible, explains on its website.

"Intuitive flight controls, inherent stability, and an effective training system means that most student pilots can learn to fly solo within a few minutes of in-water instruction."

A 200-horsepower engine in a 10ft-long 'boat' similar to a jetski pumps water to the pack through a flexible hose tether.

The Jetlev R200 delivers 500lb-ft thrust of high-volume, low-pressure water to directional nozzles on the pack that weighs 30lbs.

'Fly-by-wire' flight controls allow individuals to take off, make soft turns, hover and land.

During training, students receive a safety briefing, are fitted with a helmet and personal flotation device and are harnessed to the jet pack.

Once on the water, students first experience flying with a certified instructor operating the vehicle via remote control.

As the participant becomes more proficient, they are allowed to gain more flight control.

"It's been my dream, since I was a kid, to fly," said user Angie McGregor.

"I feel like a spy woman out of a James Bond film."

The jet pack's engine has a 100-litre fuel tank which lets the user cruise for three hours or blast at full throttle for two hours.

The zany contraption can be rented for \$250 (£156) for a half-hour 'flight' or for adrenaline-junkies flush with funds it can bought outright for \$99,500 (£62,700).