French Inventor Is First to Cross English Channel Using a HoverboardIt wasn't an uninterrupted flight, but it was still historic.
ByJon Fingas•
This story originally appeared onEngadget
It tooka second try, but Franky Zapata hasbecomethe first to cross the English Channel using a hoverboard. The French inventor used his jet-powered Flyboard Air to travel the 22 miles from France to England in 22 minutes, briefly landing on a boat to replace his kerosene-filled backpack. The board wasn't slow, either -- Zapata said he reached speeds up to 106 mph during his journey.
The first attempt in late Julyliterally fell shortafter Zapata missed the boat platform by a "few centimeters." Zapata relied on a larger boat and platform to ensure this latest attempt would work without a hitch.
This is certainly a publicity grab for Zapata's company, Z-Air, but it could also open doors for the technology in other areas. The French military is already backing the technology as a potential logistical option or even as an attack platform. A successful long-distance trip like this could give it extra confidence in the technology, even if it does highlight the current hoverboard's limitations.
#yeswedidla seconde#tentativeaura été la bonne. Traversée de la manche réussie#jobdone. Merci à tous#familyaffair#france#NeverGiveUp#flyboardair#entrepreneurs#louisbleriot#frencharmypic.twitter.com/5ToPopHSxj
— Franky Zapata (@frankyzapata)August 4, 2019
