Photon Jetpack

Technology used by people of the Hyperion Federation to achieve flight.

The Photon Jetpack is comparable in many ways to a Taidakic Field Floatation Device (TFFD), however is usable on planets with no Taidakic Field. However, its function is different. Photon Jetpacks work by firing photons in the opposite direction as the direction of travel. Usually, this is mostly down to counter the effects of gravity. Powered by a small antimatter tank, it can reliably provide constant force for entire days on end without needing to recharge. However, this type of flying machine is much less stable than a TFFD and as such does not entirely replace it. Also, its energy requirement is higher and is more limited in use due to being more unsafe. The jetpack machine resembles a frame that covers the entire body so the user can appear partially mechanical.

Due to the inherit danger, to operate it one must be certified. This certification can be obtained in a number of courses dedicated to the technology. It is usually a 1 week course dedicated to safety of the user and others. Much of the course involves practice in virtual universes. A lot of required safety functions are carried out autonomously now, such as checking all systems before use. When the flight computer detects the user being knocked off course, it can automatically correct their trajectory using photon thrusters at complex angles and stabilise the user. It prevents the user from flying into 'illegal' areas such as exclusion zones and HF airspace where aircraft can use.

The technology is primarily used for leisure purposes but it also has military, police, filming videos from the air and other industry uses as well. The energy signature it emits is not as high as other machines of a similar size as people piloting it tend to be much lighter than TGX Composite and this require less energy to keep afloat.