The Jetpack
Okay, technically, a jetpack
can already get you off the ground, under the right circumstances. But
today's jetpacks can't support a person in flight for more than a few
seconds (and if you weigh more than 175 pounds (79.4 kilograms), you're
out of luck). A handful of companies have worked on jetpacks, and have
achieved similar results, but New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft seems to
be the most likely to achieve commercial success. Martin was formed in
2004, specifically to complete and market an existing jetpack prototype.
Martin
describes their jetpack as both "aviation" and a "recreational
vehicle." Two concepts at odds with each other? Well, perhaps. After
all, a Fortune 500 CEO commuting by private helicopter fulfills both
criteria. However, they also think it's "practical," and that's a bit
harder to swallow. Practical for whom or what, exactly (at a projected
price of $100,000)? Millionaires? Billionaires? The environment? But,
more important, for every kid who fantasized of owning a jetpack one day
(whether inspired by comic books, video games or LEGO sets) does
practicality factor in at all?
No fear -- gasoline-operated
mass-market jetpack use will be safe and easy, according to Martin, with
automated hover, stability in "reasonable weather," and a parachute.
Pilots will be trained by simulators, and, once in flight, will be
supported by automated and computerized controls that will determine and
maintain a safe height. Martin also anticipates that pilots will
undergo some kind of licensing requirement.
Martin hopes to
complete a flight by the end of 2012, begin delivering to corporate and
government customers in 2013, and get jetpacks on the backs of private
citizens in 2014. They're currently restricted from use in populated
areas, which, for now, is just another roadblock on the path to commuter
use. Despite claims of growing interest by actual groups who will
actually use these (like government defense programs, law enforcement
teams, and rescue services), it seems like Martin's mostly making them
because they can. Which is fine, of course. Jetpacks exist, and we've
achieved a flight-of-fancy milestone. Maybe someday you'll actually get
to touch one.
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