Personal jetpacks have always been a highly-desirable product for many people. Recreational flying vehicles were always thought to be something you could only dream up, however the technology is finally here and we are on the verge of having our own jetpacks. An aviation firm from New Zealand has been developing a personal jetpack for consumers for some time now, and they are finally taking initial deposits for their breakthrough device.
The Martin Aircraft Company has been working hard on its personal jetpack for consumers, and from what we know so far, it looks like its going to be pretty awesome. The company exclaims that it has been in development for over 30 years, and several prototype models were produced. Given the nature of such a device, The Martin Aircraft Company needed those years to make it easy to operate, reliable, and relatively-safe (at least as safe as something like this can get).
The company calls it the “Martin Jetpack” and it appears to be one of the best iterations of a personal jetpack that we’ve seen. There have been other jetpacks before, however this is one of the first to be available to regular consumers. The jetpack is equipped with a V-4, two-stroke engine which allows the jetpack to be able to fly for 30 minutes. In that time, the jetpack can achieve speeds of 35 miles per hour and reach a maximum altitude of 3,000 feet. The lightweight carbon-fiber components of the jetpack allow it to have a solid power-to-weight ration that grants lift. The jetpack is also outfitted with safety systems and a built in parachute in case things go bad.
The company plans to release the device in 2017, and it will cost around $200,000 dollars. They have already started taking deposits for the device too. In the mean time Martin is developing a jetpack simulator so future owners can start to learn how to pilot and operate the device. Demonstrations of the jetpack at airshows are expected to begin this upcoming summer, and in 2016 the company will offer rides on the jetpack to the general public. An operator on the ground can over-ride the jetpack at any time in case things go wrong. It is pretty exciting to see a consumer jetpack finally being made, and for some lucky (and rich) buyers, this devices will bring great amounts of enjoyment. Check out this video to see the jetpack in action:
Photo from Martin Jetpack
