Jet-Powered Glider

At Miami's midwinter air show last week, France showed off the world's first jet-propelled light plane for private use: the Fouga Cyclone. With its wide wingspread and light construction (1,182 Ibs.), it not only looked like a glider but could fly like one. Apparently to make up for the heavy fuel consumption of the jet motor, the Cyclone's makers said that the plane could soar in updrafts for miles with the motor shut off, land at only 45 m.p.h.

In power flight, the Cyclone's tiny, 141-Ib. turbojet engine atop the fuselage gives the plane a range of 185 miles at a cruising speed of 155 m.p.h. Builder Fouga hopes to sell similar planes in the U.S. Estimated price: $7,000.

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