As motorcycle is to automobile, so is the Martin Jetpack to airplanes. The concept by, student, Glen Martin was conceived in 1981. Getting validation from the University of Canterbury's Mechanical Engineering Department, a successful prototype that exceeded the "Bell Rocket Belt" flight time of 20 seconds was built in 2005. This set the platform for public demonstrations in 2008, which ignited the media world.
The jetpack is based on a twin propeller design to gain flight, very similar to "light helicoptors." Plenty of safety features a built in, roll cage, auto stabilization, parachute, and avoidance systems. Now after 2,500 successful test flights, 100 combined engine hours, the Martin Jetpack is ready for public consumption. 43 minutes of Individual flight, at a time, can be gained for $100,000 USD. No pilots license is needed, however a Martin Aircraft training program is required. Waivers soon to follow as well.
The jet pack is being pushed for military and civil defense use. A unmanned, UAV, version is also in the works.
A remarkable 30 years of development soon to give a lot of people what they always dreamed of, a personal jet pack.
Eavesdropper