Technology
French inventor flies across English Channel on jet-powered hoverboard
French inventor Franky Zapata has officially crossed the English Channel by hoverboard.
On Aug. 4, weeks after a failed Bastille Day flight, Zapata hopped on the jet-powered hoverboard that he invented, called the “Flyboard Air,” and set out to fly across the 35-kilometer channel. This time, he was successful.
Zapata’s board is propelled by five small jet engines, and after he stopped halfway to refuel his board on a boat, Reuters reports that he was able to cross the Channel and land in a little more than 20 minutes.
French news outlet Le Monde shared a two-minute video of Zapata taking off and flying through the air past onlookers and over the water.
During his Aug. 4 flight, Zapata is said to have traveled 35 kilometers. He took off in Sangatte, France, and landed in Saint Margaret’s Bay in Dover, England.
“For the last five to six kilometers I just really enjoyed it,” Zapata told reporters when he landed. “Whether this is a historic event or not, I’m not the one to decide that, time will tell.
“We made a machine three years ago… and now we’ve crossed the Channel, it’s crazy,” Zapata, who is also working on creating a flying car, said.
The jet-powered hover-board used by French inventor Franky Zapata to cross the English Channel to Dover.
Image: Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images
Image: DENIS CHARLET/AFP/Getty Images
Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
Image: Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images
Way to go, Zapata!
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