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Flying Belts

Flying Belts, also called Rocket Belts or Jet Packs, are a popular form of transportation in the 21st century. A Flying Belt uses non-combusting rocket propulsion to propel an individual safely and rapidly through the air at low altitudes. A typical Flying Belt features three propellant tanks worn on the back. The middle tank contains pressurizing gas (nitrogen) while the other two hold fuel (hydrogen peroxide). Pressurized nitrogen gas forces the hydrogen peroxide over a small, built-in catalyst bed that rapidly decomposes the peroxide to produce steam. Leading outward from the fuel tanks at each side of the operator are curved pipes with small nozzles protruding downward on each end. The expanding steam exhausts through the nozzles to produce thrust. The Flying Belt has a pair of handlebars that protrude under each of the operator's arms and feature motorcycle-like handle grips for the throttle and directional control. The operator shifts his body to control pitch and roll, much like a motorcyclist. The operator usually wears a protective jumpsuit, crash helmet, and boots with shock-absorbing soles. Bell Aerospace developed the first Flying Belts for the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. Modern Flying Belts are similar to the early Rocket Belts, but are lighter, easier to use and have greater range.

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