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A New Zealand company has showcased what it calls the “world's first practical jetpack” to the defence industry at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The Martin Aircraft Company initially designed and launched its jetpack for recreational use in 2008, but has recently started marketing the aircraft for use in the defence and emergency response sectors. The jetpack is listed for sale at around £66,000 on the company's website.
According to the Martin Aircraft company, the vertical take off and landing aircraft has an automated hover function and can travel at 100 km/h. It has twin ducted fans that produce enough thrust to lift the aircraft off the ground and can hover at an estimated 8000 feet (2,400m) above the ground.
The fans are driven by a customised two litre engine that weighs 2kg. The 200 horsepower, two stroke engine features a flat torque curve to help with engine responsiveness. The engine is fuel injected, has a dual capacitor discharge ignition and is powered by premium automotive gasoline mixed with a small amount of 2-stroke oil.
At the target fuel consumption, the device can fly for up to 30 minutes and has a 30 mile range. When hovering an automated throttle system can maintain the desired height, according to the Martin Aircraft Company.
The entire set up contains flight and engine displays, a harness, ballistic parachute and energy absorbing undercarriage that can crumble on impact.
Other safety features include a concealed internal roll cage structure with ducts made of a carbon Kevlar hoop to help protect the pilot from any side impacts. The control arms at the front of the aircraft and are designed to snap off in the event of a hard impact for protection. Work is ongoing to increase the impact protection, the company adds.
Those using the aircraft can have a maximum weight of 127 kg and depending on the country of operation will not need a pilots license. At the moment the aircraft's use is restricted to non-urban areas.
Key facts on the Martin Jetpack:
- Weight: 115kg (excluding safety equipment)
- Electrical system: 12V DC battery, starter, 360 w alternator
- Fuel capacity: 18.9 litres
- Fuel burn 138 litres/hr