Jump pack
From Lexicanum
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A jump pack is a generic term for a type of device that allows infantry to make great powered leaps, or even to fly. It allows the wearer to progress swiftly across battlefields, leap over buildings and other normally impassable terrain or can be used to safely descend upon an unsuspecting enemy from a drop ship or aircraft.
Design
Designs vary widely depending upon race.
The Imperial Guard use heavy backpacks containing a variable altitude repulsor capable of sustained flight. However for simple air descent they generally use grav-chutes.
Space Marines however are far too heavy to use Imperial Guard jump packs, and instead are equipped with a much larger packs, the weight of which would crush normal humans. Despite the increased size of the jump packs, they are not capable of sustained flight.
Chaos Space Marines use similar equipment as their Imperial counterparts.
Eldar use graceful wing shaped packs, presumably based on sophisticated anti-grav technology. They are capable of sustained flight.
Dark Eldar packs are assumed to be similar in mechanics, however are a far more sinister shape.
Orks utilize crude fuel rockets. The control is limited to an on/off switch, and steering is achieved simply by aiming with the body and controlling the burn time. With extreme skill it is theoretically possible to sustain flight. Suffice to say, Orks do not possess extreme skill.
The Tau equivalent are called jetpacks and use advanced anti-grav. Whilst most races use jump-packs to get combat troops into close proximity with the enemy as fast and safely as possible (note: Orks use them only for speed, safety is not a factor), the Tau jet pack is normally used for swift manoeuvring rather than rapid advancement across the battlefield to avoid enemy fire and combat troops whilst maintaining good firing positions.
Tyranids use wings to achieve the same effect.
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