Airthruster

Airthruster is a fictional propulsion system that generates thrust by expelling a stream of air. In many fictional contexts, airthrusters are depicted as a means of personal flight or for powering small vehicles. The underlying principle often involves a compressed air source and a nozzle or set of nozzles designed to direct the airflow for propulsion.

The operation of an airthruster typically relies on Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. By forcefully expelling air in one direction, the airthruster creates a reactive force pushing in the opposite direction. The amount of thrust generated is generally proportional to the mass of air expelled per unit time and the velocity at which it is expelled.

In fictional portrayals, airthrusters can vary significantly in their complexity and appearance. Some might be integrated into suits or backpacks, while others could be standalone devices or part of larger craft. The power source for the compressed air can also differ, ranging from portable tanks to more advanced, self-sustaining systems. While a conceptual basis exists in real-world physics, airthrusters as commonly imagined in science fiction often transcend current technological limitations in terms of efficiency, power density, and miniaturization. They are a popular trope for enabling flight and rapid movement in fantastical settings.