Yves Rossy successfully crossed the English Channel using a Single, Jet-Propelled Wing
At September 26th 2008 HUBLOT Ambassador Yves Rossy successfully completed an amazing challenge at 1:19pm (BST) and became the first man to fly across the English Channel from Calais, France to Dover, UK, using a homemade, single, jet-powered wing. FusionMan covered a distance of 35 kilometres in 13 minutes. His flight has been broadcasted live on 164 tv stations through National Geographic Channel.
Swiss adventurer Yves traced the route of French aviator Louis Blériot, who became the first person to fly across the English Channel in an airplane 99 years ago. Beginning his journey at Calais Airport, Yves Rossy was transported in a plane to nearly 2,500 metres, at which point he started his four engines. Then at 1.06pm, Yves jumped out of the plane above Calais. Once his wing stabilised, FusionMan began his flight travelling full throttle and heading for the United Kingdom. With a light wind on his back, he reached the South Foreland Lighthouse on the iconic White Cliffs of Dover in 13 minutes, covering the 35 kilometre trip at an average speed of 200 kilometres per hour. When finally the White Cliffs of Dover appeared, Yves deployed his parachute and landed at 1.19 pm (BST).
Speaking of his historic feat, elated Yves said, “So many people were with me on that flight, I want to say thank you…everything was perfect. I show that it is possible to fly a little bit like a bird.” Although a crucial step has been achieved today, Yves Rossy will be continuing the adventure. His next challenge? Flying over the Grand Canyon... Hublot, who supports Yves Rossy since the beginning, followed him very thoroughly and congratulates today the man and his accomplished dream. Jean-Claude Bivver believed in FusionMan since they met two years ago. Hublot, who substituted his employer SWISS during his preparation year off duty in 2007, is proud to share this success.