Named as one of Time magazine's Top 50 inventions for 2010, the Martin Jetpack, the world’s first practical jetpack, with potential usage spanning search and rescue, military, recreational and commercial applications, both manned and unmanned. The Martin Jetpack was initially conceived and developed by Glenn Martin in Dunedin in 1981. This led to the founding of Martin Aircraft Company in 1998 and the development of a Jetpack that based on current testing will have over 30 minutes flight capability at a speed of up to 74 km/h and an altitude up to 1,000 m (3000ft).
The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with substantial capabilities and is able to be flown by a pilot or via remote control. The Jetpack can take off and land vertically (VTOL) and because of its small dimensions, it can operate in confined spaces such as close to or between buildings, near trees or in confined areas that other VTOL aircraft such as helicopters cannot access.
Martin Jetpack has been designed with safety in mind and for easy adoption, with pilot qualifications easy to obtain. The Jetpack is “fly by wire” so unlike other aircraft including helicopters it is relatively easy to operate and with its ballistic parachute system that can safely recover the aircraft from a few meters above the ground it will be one of the most safe light aircraft on the market.
Martin Jetpack’s capability gives it a competitive advantage in key markets: first responder, military, commercial andrecreation. As a heavy lift Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL)unmanned air vehicle (UAV), the Martin Jetpack has a significant operational advantage being able to carry commercial payloads of up to 120kgs unlike Quadcopters which are limited to only a few kilograms.
Following the successful introduction of the Jetpack into the first responder community, the company will work on developing a jetpack for leisure and personal use.
Commercial Jetpacks are no longer the domain of science fiction-come fly the dream!
