The Mules is a newly designed autonomous helicopter-type ambulance designed to rescue wounded soldiers that are in harms way. Swooping in to areas too dangerous for human medics, it can fit a supine soldier and then tote them away at speeds of up to 100MPH.

Looking like some sort of tricked-out window fan, the Mules uses dual lift fans to get it off the ground quickly. The entire concept comes from failed experiments on making a "flying jeep" back in the 1950s. Now that technology has advanced a bit, the idea can actually, excuse the pun, take off. They're hoping to keep it reasonably priced by military standards, building it for around $1.5 million. Look for it to hit the skies by 2009. — Adam Frucci

PopSci, via New Launches