[ SPELCO GbR ] Munich, Germany

It looks straight out of a comic book, but the serious purpose of the Gryphon parachute system is to bring soldiers quickly and precisely to a landing zone without detection or exposure of the transport aircraft. With a 6-foot wingspan, the prototype carbon-fiber stealth glider weighs 30 pounds and allows soldiers to be dropped up to 25 miles from their target. A built-in oxygen system allows jumps from up to 30,000 feet, and the planned addition of a turbo jet will allow soldiers to jump from lower altitudes and further distances than currently possible. The wing separates from the pack for landing, and a parachute slows the jumper’s descent.