| Captain Apathy | 24 Sep 2009 11:00 a.m. PST |
Here is an excerpt from the video description.
Last year, at EAA AirVenture 2008, over 5,000 attendees witnessed the first public flight demonstration of the Martin Jetpack. Since then, the Martin Aircraft Company has made immense strides to improve the basic design and ease of operation of the prototype; most notably, the company has converted to a fly-by wire system allowing novice jetpack pilots to safely solo the aircraft within an hour of training. Over the last year, nearly 5,000 test flights have been performed without injury.
YouTube link |
| briansommers | 24 Sep 2009 11:17 a.m. PST |
that rocks! now all I have to do is win the freakin' lottery! |
| Jovian1 | 24 Sep 2009 12:08 p.m. PST |
Pretty cool – I wonder how far it would go on a standard fuel load out. |
| nazrat | 24 Sep 2009 12:12 p.m. PST |
Fascinating, but yes, it's definitely lacking in all the details like that which I'd like to know. |
| Top Gun Ace | 24 Sep 2009 12:17 p.m. PST |
Glad to see it, although the limited flight demo leaves a lot to be desired, in terms of convincing me it can be flown safely outdoors. The real test will be at much higher altitudes, and its ability to deal with wind gusts. Until then, the rocket pack from the Bond film still appears to be a bit better. |
| flicking wargamer | 24 Sep 2009 12:17 p.m. PST |
From another site:
Fast Facts
Can allegedly fly 30 miles in 30 minutes
Requires 5 gallons of gas per 30 mile trip
Estimated cost: $100,000
Classified by FAA as an "ultralight vehicle"
Equipped with a parachute
Ideal flying height: 500-1000 ft.
Martin is a former pharmaceutical sales rep
1928 issue of Amazing Stories featured a hero wearing a jet pack |
| flicking wargamer | 24 Sep 2009 12:23 p.m. PST |
This one is cheaper, and faster, and sold as a kit:
link |
| Top Gun Ace | 24 Sep 2009 1:21 p.m. PST |
I'm holding off until there's one with 120 MPH+ speed, and 100 mile plus range. Otherwise, an ultralight or parasail gets my vote. The winged jet pack used over Switzerland and the crossing of the English Channel looks to be a bit more fun. |
Dr Mathias  | 24 Sep 2009 1:24 p.m. PST |
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John Leahy  | 24 Sep 2009 1:46 p.m. PST |
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| Patrick R | 24 Sep 2009 2:28 p.m. PST |
Ok, they got that working, now we need domed cities, a moonbase and intelligent robots doing all our work. |
| Captain Apathy | 24 Sep 2009 3:04 p.m. PST |
Personally I am holding out for the flying bubble bar, ala the Jetsons. |
| Top Gun Ace | 24 Sep 2009 3:43 p.m. PST |
The Moller Skycar should work for you, assuming they can keep it stable in the air. Seems they need someone with fly-by-wire development experience to help ensure its stability, but it does appear to work. Not sure if they will be installing a bubble on top, or not. I imagine it might be a bit too hot in warmer climates for that, at least until they can get A/C installed in the thing. Personally, I always like the wind flying through my hair. |
| Double W | 24 Sep 2009 4:39 p.m. PST |
Unlike most pulp jetpacks I've seen, at least you can use it without burning your butt. I always wondered what would happen if the Rocketeer passed gas while flying… (Oh God the humanity!) |
| Mithmee | 24 Sep 2009 6:27 p.m. PST |
What they fail to tell you is that they conducted close to 100,000 flights. :) |
| Shriver | 24 Sep 2009 7:18 p.m. PST |
i got to get one of those. |
| Top Gun Ace | 24 Sep 2009 7:21 p.m. PST |
But can it fly more than three feet off the ground, without two spotters to keep it from tipping over? |
