Where does the military look when it needs state-of-the-art technology and equipment? College research programs. In order to find ways for soldiers to scale high walls without the use of a grappling hook, the U.S. Air Force held the Air Force Research Laboratory Design Challenge in April. First place went to the "Ascending Aggies" team from Utah State University.
To win, the team of aerospace and mechanical engineers led by Dr. Steve Hansen came up with the Personal Vacuum Assisted Climber (PVAC). The PVAC features two suction pads powered by a powerful vacuum backpack that allows the user to latch onto nearly any surface.
Check out the video above to see the PVAC in action. And head over to Business Insider to read more about the invention.
[via Business Insider]
