The Martin Jetpack is an experimental ultralight aircraft, developed by New Zealand based company Martin Aircraft Company. This experimental aircraft was unveiled on July 29, 2008. However, now the Martin Aircraft Company is redesigning the Martin Jetpack. The company hopes it will able to deliver the redesigned Martin Jetpack aircraft in 2014.
Martin Aircraft Company founder Glenn Martin has been actively developing the Martin Jetpack for over 30 years. The aircraft has been made for military and “first responder” emergency crews such as firefighters. Around three years ago, Martin Jetpack started selling the world’s first commercially available jetpack for $86,000. However, the image you see above is of P12 prototype, a redesign of the first Martin Jetpack Aircraft. The redesigned aircraft uses a gasoline (premium) engine with two ducted fans to provide lift. The P12’s takeoff weight has been measured 330 kg (725 lb), the ducted fans can supply an excess 50 kg of thrust, resulting in snappy changes in altitude.
P12 comes with a maximum airspeed of 74 km/h (46 mph). The Jetpack’s ceiling is 3000 ft (900 m), and it is recommended for operation above 500 ft (150 m) to give the safety systems (including a rocket-deployed ballistic parachute) plenty of time to function. The aircraft can have a flight time of about 30 minutes on a full fuel tank.
The Martin Aircraft Company is currently accepting inquiries from commercial customers. The jetpack is slated to be available on the market in 2014. The price of this aircraft will be $100,000 (plus shipping, duties, and taxes) in the US. The company may bring a more basic model for individuals as early as 2015.
It is to be noted that, although not required by law, Martin also offers a training course that would be a very good idea to include in one’s preparations for the first Jetpack flight. Here’s a video of testing flight of P12 prototype.
Source: Martin Aircraft Company
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