From Nazi rocket scientists to backyard inventors, delve into the quirky world of rejected rocketbelts. Explore the evolution of rocket packs in sci-fi, the thrilling flight of Will Suter, and the chaos of rocket belt demos. Entertaining anecdotes, aviation history, and the intriguing tale of Larry Stanley add depth to this episode.
Bill Studer's cinematic role in Thunderbolt solidifies his iconic status in rocket belt flying history.
Deep dives
Bill Studer Takes Flight
Bill Studer, a lawnmower who was hired by Wendell Moore, becomes the rocket man after training for four months. He successfully flies over 150 feet at the Pentagon demonstration and later flies at the Calgary Stampede, earning 25 grand every night. With a spotlight on him at performances like at Disneyland and filming Thunderbolt, Studer becomes a sensation in the rocket belt world.
The Rocket Belt Goes Public
Clyde Balderson sees the commercial potential of the rocket belt and helps take it public. Performances at the Calgary Stampede and the World's Fair in New York attract large crowds and generate revenue through successful commercial flights. With safety measures in place, the rocket belt becomes a popular attraction at events like Tomorrowland at Disneyland, showcasing its thrilling capabilities in front of amazed audiences.
Inspiration from Chuck Yeager
Chuck Yeager, the backup pilot for Bill Studer, adds his experience and expertise to the rocket belt operations, bringing valuable insights and guidance to the flying demonstrations. Yeager's involvement enhances the credibility and professionalism of the rocket belt performances, contributing to its success and popularity among audiences.
Filming Thunderbolt
Bill Studer's involvement in the filming of Thunderbolt adds to his achievements, showcasing his flying skills in a movie setting. Getting credited for his contributions to the movie, Studer's experience in bringing the rocket belt to the big screen solidifies his reputation as the iconic rocket man in the emerging world of rocket belt flying.
The Beginning of the Rocket Belt Obsession
Brad Barker and Larry Stanley team up to build a rocket belt after showcasing a successful test flight, garnering investments from Joe Wright and Brad's mother. They aim for a free flight which fails due to throttle valve issues, leading Bill Suter to suggest improvements based on old designs.
The First Free Flight with Bill Suter
Bill Suter, initially uninterested, watches a test video and is impressed, naming the rocket belt "Pretty Bird." The RB2000 is assembled at Car Audio Plus, where successful tethered tests are conducted, leading to Bill Suter's first free flight with booster-like power.
The Olympic Debut of the Rocket Belt
Bill Suter performs a 17-second flight at the Olympics, impressing with perfect execution. The event draws attention to the rocket belt's potential for military, Hollywood, and fairground applications, marking a transition from military tech to entertainment, resembling Iron Man's early stages.
Reflections on the Rocket Belt's Impact
The allure of the rocket belt lies in its blend of past inventions like Buck Rogers and futuristic aspirations seen in Iron Man. The book's historical context traces back to Thunderball, showcasing how a lawnmower man's rise to Olympic fame intertwines with global fascination and dreams of flight technology.
This week Johnboy shares the story of the rocketbelt, from its fictional beginnings in science fiction in literature and film before engineers and the military brought it to life - sort of! From Nazi rocket scientists to a few guys at the back of a car stereo plaza; behold the rocketbelt rejects!
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