The German company, Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG), has developed this new glide and parachute system, the Gryphon, that allows parachuters to glide at high speed a distance up to 25 miles after jumping off an airplane, before they open the parachute to land. The next stage of development is to add small turbo jet drives which will increase the range even further and allow take offs from much lower heights. The Gryphon has been developed for military purposes, but (provided it works?!) could probably have use also as a recreational gadget. Looks like quite a fun and intriguing concept!