Paratroopers could fly 200km with new wings system
by Staff Writers
London (AFP) May 26, 2006
A new military parachute system which fits wings on soldiers could enable them to travel to 200 kilometres (124 miles) after jumping, Jane's Defence Weekly defence magazine said Friday.

The system, which involves the development of new modular carbon-fibre wings, will mean that aircraft can drop parachutists from 30,000 feet (9,150 metres) into an area of operations without flying into a danger zone.

Trials of the modular wing are being developed by the German firm Elektroniksystem und Logistik and Draeger. They are due to finish by the end of 2006, with the entire parachute and wings combination expected to be available during 2007.

Peter Felstead, editor of Jane's Defence Weekly, said the new system has been in use with the German since 2003, but the development of the new wing means soldiers can travel much further than the current 48 kilometres.

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Paratroopers_could_fly_200km_with_new_wings_system _Janes.html

That is so cool. I just wonder how much each one of those things costs