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Like the MCU's Vulture, could we create a wingsuit utilizing bladed fans for flight? Elsewhere I've looked says it's a problem with the power source, but if that were taken care of, could the rest of the design follow suit? Or is it also a problem with the materials?

I'm working on a novel that uses a similar concept, but I always like to add a touch of realism to my writing, so is this realistically feasible?

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    $\begingroup$ @sphennings that could be a blanket statement for this forum. The OP has decided to put them in, but only wants to know how much they need to bend the rules besides the power problem. $\endgroup$
    – Trioxidane
    Commented Jul 18 at 21:04
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    $\begingroup$ Whether or not something can exist in the Real World has become the bane of Worldbuilding's existence - much like the story identification trend on Science Fiction & Fantasy. I agree with @sphennings, per the help center, we answer questions about imaginary worlds. The Real World is already built, which makes this nothing more than an engineering/materials science question. What makes an alternate-earth Q on-topic is that something is actually different about the Real World such that we're not longer in it. I, for one, detest that we've become Physics-Lite. VTC:Not About Worldbuilding. $\endgroup$
    – JBH
    Commented Jul 19 at 3:36
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    $\begingroup$ @JBH The problem with Worldbuilding.SE not being a Physics-lite.SE is that it would become a Redundant-Writing.SE instead. $\endgroup$
    – Rekesoft
    Commented Jul 19 at 9:29
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    $\begingroup$ @Rekesoft the question could be valid if OP asked a more specific version of it. Is there a single thing OP has concerns about they could ask about that. I'd contend that asking "Is there something about x that would prevent it from being used in a wingsuit, or do I need to handwave or make up some technobabble?" would be an appropriately scoped question for this site as opposed to asking more broadly what is possible in the real world once you have already decided that your world has wingsuits. $\endgroup$
    – sphennings
    Commented Jul 19 at 18:12
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    $\begingroup$ @Rekesoft Writing would instantly close this question. Writing focuses on the skill of writing, not the contents of a story. The problem with Worldbuilding becoming Physics-lite is that it loses all of the whimsy of building worlds. There's no "what if?" Only "can it be done per science as we know it today?" That we never what this site was expected to be (and there was a time when it wasn't that way). $\endgroup$
    – JBH
    Commented Jul 20 at 3:29

2 Answers 2

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Yes and No

The problem, as it stands, is due to two factors:

  • In order to make the system strong enough to perform the functions, even with the use of exotic materials, it has to have a minimum weight.
  • In order to shift that minimum weight, you need more power than can realistically be generated.

Adding more fuel adds more weight, adding a bigger engine adds more weight etc.

Now - there are 'jet packs' that have been designed and tested and flown, but they are of limited use because of the above problem.

To answer your world building question - if Power Source is not an issue, then it doesn't really matter what material you use, you could create a concrete aircraft with a sufficiently powerful engine (Not that I would recommend that...)

If materials is not an issue, then any current engine and power source should be sufficient.

The challenge with modern day tech is that for the weight of materials we need to make it safe and practical, we don't have a power source that can provide the output for long enough to make it a realistic travel option.

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Google says yes: https://www.m2ktechnologies.com/martinjetpack.php MARTIN JETPACK

MARTIN JETPACK

They call it a Jetpack but it is a gasoline engine driving twin ducted fans

Your biggest obstacle is a power source. Making it small enough, and power/weight efficient.

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    $\begingroup$ this does not really answer the question, thats like saying yes because helicopters exist. $\endgroup$
    – John
    Commented Jul 18 at 23:47
  • $\begingroup$ @John This is a real world analog of the MCU's Vulture OP referenced to compare his idea to. How is this not a valid answer to if it would be possible to build with current tech? Also... not to john but, most probably the down votes are reactions to my comments above That keep being deleted without notice. $\endgroup$
    – Gillgamesh
    Commented Jul 19 at 14:25

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