witchy1
29th May 2011, 09:52
New Zealand-invented jetpack has reached 5000 feet, or 1.5km, above sea level, a major leap towards commercial production, its developers say.
Mr Martin has spent the past 30 years and $12 million in savings and venture capital on the project, and hopes the successful test will bring more investment and ultimately mass production.
The 115kg Martin Jetpack relies on two powerful "superfans". It has the ability to fly for half an hour or more, climb more than 1000ft per minute and to cruise at 100kmh.
Last year, the jetpack, which runs on ordinary petrol, was named in Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions list.
"We limited the jetpack to 800ft/min climb so the chase helicopters could keep up," Mr Martin said.
He said it was a major step towards commercial production of the world's first practical Jetpack and the Martin Aircraft Company aims to have first deliveries of both the manned and unmanned versions to key customers within the next 18 months.
"In the past two years we've gone from unveiling a world leading invention to a company on the verge of international commercialisation of both the manned and unmanned versions of the jetpack."
Martin Aircraft had received substantial interest from governments, military and emergency services around the world, along with many in the general aviation sector who are interested in being one of the first to own a jetpack, Mr Lauder said.
7806
Wonder what that will cost????
http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/5071233/Giant-leap-for-Kiwi-jetpack
Mr Martin has spent the past 30 years and $12 million in savings and venture capital on the project, and hopes the successful test will bring more investment and ultimately mass production.
The 115kg Martin Jetpack relies on two powerful "superfans". It has the ability to fly for half an hour or more, climb more than 1000ft per minute and to cruise at 100kmh.
Last year, the jetpack, which runs on ordinary petrol, was named in Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions list.
"We limited the jetpack to 800ft/min climb so the chase helicopters could keep up," Mr Martin said.
He said it was a major step towards commercial production of the world's first practical Jetpack and the Martin Aircraft Company aims to have first deliveries of both the manned and unmanned versions to key customers within the next 18 months.
"In the past two years we've gone from unveiling a world leading invention to a company on the verge of international commercialisation of both the manned and unmanned versions of the jetpack."
Martin Aircraft had received substantial interest from governments, military and emergency services around the world, along with many in the general aviation sector who are interested in being one of the first to own a jetpack, Mr Lauder said.
7806
Wonder what that will cost????
http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/5071233/Giant-leap-for-Kiwi-jetpack