The future of flight
The Martin Aircraft Company Ltd., based in New Zealand, is currently taking deposits for individuals wishing to purchase the world's first practical jetpack.
Glenn Martin, along with a network of experts, have been working since 1981 to develop sustainable personal flight. Since the unveiling of The Martin Aircraft in July 2008, the Martin Jetpack Company is now in the final stages of R&D, with considerable interest from the defence and civil defence sectors and 2500 successful test flights, or over 100 active engine hours.
Specs of the Martin Jetpack
The Martin Jetpack's carbon fibre composite body achieves flight with a custom-built V4 engine driving twin turbines to produce over 600 pounds of thrust.
It uses regular petrol, making it safer than highly flammable rocket fuel and utilises VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) meaning that special take-off or landing strips are not necessary. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration is currently developing its Highway in the Skies project, utilising GPS technology, which would provide the infrastructure for us all to fly to work on our new jetpacks.
Jetpack safety
With such new technology, safety is a prime concern, and the technology involved in making the Martin Jetpack a safe aeronautical experience is cutting edge.
In the development of The Martin Jetpack, safety has been a prime focus since the beginning, andis present in the design, the operation of the craft, the development of specialised pilot training and the emergency systems that minimise the impact of an accident.
With a carbon kevlar roll cage built into the structure, an extremely high factor of safety built into all parts, moving and otherwise, a ballistic parachute system capable of reducing harm at relatively low altitudes and more built into the Jetpack, the intention of making this flight system safer than similar light helicopters is clear.
Currently it is designed to meet the requirements of the FAA Part 103, Ultralight Regulations. The Martin Jetpack does not require a licence to operate and may be flown over non-populated areas, although you will need to pass the Martin Aircraft Company's approved pilot training program.
Currently at the price of a fancy sports car, US$100,000 plus delivery, taxes and duties, the cost of achieving a childhood dream is pretty high - but isn’t it worth it?
