In the wake of World War II, the late 1950s marked an intriguing period when the U.S. Army began to contemplate the idea of soldiers soaring through the skies during combat.
The post-war era saw a surge of interest in jetpacks—compact, personal rocket devices that promised to boost the mobility and effectiveness of infantry units on the battlefield.
The Origins and Development of Jetpacks
The jetpack’s origins can be traced all the way back to the 1910s, when it was first conceived by a Russian inventor.
Fast forward to the 1950s, and the Army was actively pushing for research and proposals to bring this innovative idea to life.
A report from March 1961, published by the U.S. Army Transportation Research Command, highlighted the immense potential of a jetpack to improve soldiers’ mobility.
It envisioned a design featuring small rocket units strapped to individuals for brief, limited flights.
This study suggested that such devices could be engineered to be reliable, stable, and user-friendly, even for those without extensive training.
The Army’s interest in aerial technology did not emerge overnight; it reflected a longstanding commitment to exploring various forms of elevation throughout the 20th century.
Prior to the establishment of NASA for space exploration, the Army had already conducted numerous trials aimed at lifting both personnel and heavy weaponry.
Past efforts included sending balloonists into the stratosphere and developing groundbreaking technologies such as the Redstone ballistic missiles.
Thus, the jetpack initiative was just one of many notable research projects in military advancement.
Prototypes and Partnerships
In 1959, the Army unveiled a prototype showcasing a “soldier of the future,” equipped with a jetpack designed not to turn infantry into airborne warriors but to allow troops to leap toward enemy lines with agility.
This version featured a “jump belt” capable of achieving an impressive 30-foot vertical jump.
Yet, like many ambitious concepts of the time, this futuristic vision did not materialize as quickly as anticipated.
As the early 1960s progressed, the Army partnered with various contractors to develop jetpack designs.
Among them, the Aerojet-General Corporation and Bell Aerospace played pivotal roles.
Bell made significant headway with their “Small Rocket Lift Device,” popularly known as the Rocket Belt.
Engineer Wendell Moore had started his work on this concept in the early ’50s, and momentum picked up in the following decade, leading to a demonstration for President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
However, significant challenges remained, especially in terms of range, lift capacity, and fuel efficiency.
The Vietnam War and Decline of Interest
Throughout the late 1960s, Bell continued refining its jetpack technology, particularly in light of the demands posed by the Vietnam War.
This evolution resulted in the introduction of the “Light Mobility System,” a design tailored for troops navigating tropical terrains.
The system was promoted as an asset for ground reconnaissance patrols, enabling them to traverse difficult landscapes swiftly and validate intelligence more effectively than conventional ground units.
Bell’s proposal also highlighted an important consideration: the impact of weapon use on jetpack operators.
Firing a weapon could disrupt their flight control, a factor that the designers took into account.
Illustrations accompanying the proposal depicted soldiers managing the jetpack while their hands were occupied, leaving little room for firearm use.
Despite initial optimism surrounding Bell’s innovations, jetpacks did not become a staple in military operations during the Vietnam War.
By the late 1960s, the military’s strategic focus and technological priorities had shifted, causing a decline in interest in jetpack development.
While the Army did not completely abandon the concept, the fervor that once surrounded this technology steadily diminished over time.
Source: Taskandpurpose