Temuka engineer's flight of fancy produces skydiving glider

A Temuka engineer has invented the world's first skydiving glider.

Bob Harris' carbon fibre-shelled Skyboard with retractable wings looks like something out of a James Bond movie.

The craft, which is being refined in Harris' Steelworks International workshop at Temuka, includes wings, body, fittings, and automated and timer-controlled equipment.

The prototype has been tested and, despite some wild first flights, is operating. At the moment, it is dropped from a helicopter from above 3000m and, after being briefly flown, the pilot disengages. The pilot and Skyboard land under parachutes.

Harris hopes the commercial model will weigh about 25kg and be launched from a plane, propelled out the door and glided to a landing.

The glider, which should sell for about $52,000, was tested by Australian test pilot and skydiver Paul Smith above the Mackenzie Country three weeks ago.

Harris believes the glider should fly for about 20 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 280km/h, and then be landed.

"This is new-generation aviation, the ultimate prolonged skydiving experience. I believe its potential in the world of extreme sports is huge."

Harris has had input from Canterbury University masters of engineering student Mark Daniel, who assessed the feasibility of the concept. A remote-controlled model was tested in a wind tunnel.

Work on design and engineering began last winter.

Energy drink manufacturer Red Bull has supported the creation of the prototype and the New Zealand Foundation for Research Science and Technology has put $60,000 towards the Skyboard.

- NZPA