# Jet-Powered Gliders Desert Aerospace's Jet Gliders Turns Casual Pilots into Top Guns By Michael Hines | Published 2010-08-15 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desert-aerospace References: [bornrich.org](http://www.bornrich.org/entry/desert-aerospace-to-sell-sailplane-fitted-with-retractable-jet-engine/) & [desertaerospace](http://www.desertaerospace.com/) Live out your 'Top Gun' dreams with Desert Aerospace’s new [jet-powered gliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-walkers). These gliders have a [retractable jet engine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsmall-drone) that allows for [self takeoff](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-solo). No more running off cliffs and crossing fingers. The jet engine on Desert Aerospace’s gliders, according to its site, is a 45 pound PBS TJ-100 jet engine that can deliver 240 pounds of thrust. The engine folds into the glider once the plane hits its cruising altitude. There is no word yet on pricing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Jet-powered Gliders:** The integration of jet engines into gliders for self takeoff has disruptive innovation potential in recreational aviation and transportation industries. - **Personal Aviation:** Jet-powered gliders offer personal aviation opportunities disrupting traditional forms of transportation and opening up new markets for aviation enthusiasts and adventurers. - **Retractable Technology:** The development and application of retractable jet engines in gliders can lead to disruptive innovations in the aviation industry for more efficient and versatile air travel. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aviation Manufacturing:** Companies in aviation manufacturing can capitalize on the trend of jet-powered gliders by expanding their productlines to cater to recreational and personal aviation markets. - **Recreational Aviation:** The recreational aviation industry can take advantage of the trend in jet-powered gliders by offering new experiences for individuals and groups who are passionate about aviation. - **Adventure Tourism:** The integration of jet engines into gliders can create opportunities for adventure tourism businesses to provide unique experiences for thrill-seekers and aviation enthusiasts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Powerfully Propelled VTOL Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drone.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Gliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider.md) - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Self-Landing Hobbyist Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-aircraft-e1000-ax.md) - [Consumer-Driven Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personal-evtol-aircraft.md) - [Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspeeder-mk4.md) - [Aerodynamic Gyroplane Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyroplane.md) - [Kids Innovative Stunt Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerostorm-stunt-plane.md) - [Easily Piloted Electric VTOLs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-vtols.md)