DARPA-backed jetpack prototype built to make soldiers run faster

Vid Students are working on a test build of a wearable jetpack that could help soldiers run faster on the field of combat.

The project dubbed 4MM, or 4 Minute Mile, has been backed by the US defence agency DARPA. It was dreamed up by Arizona State University faculty mentor Jason Kerestes, who built a prototype of the jetpack.

He is testing the gear and working on the design to see how effective it would be in a military scenario.

The idea behind is that soldiers, who are often bogged down with heavy kit, will be able to follow in the footsteps of British athlete Roger Bannister and complete one mile in just four minutes. ®