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The World's First Commercially Available Jetpack

Posted by kdawson on from the quieter-in-version-2 dept.

ElectricSteve writes "It's been a long time coming. While Arthur C. Clarke's geosync satellites have taken to space, and James Bond's futuristic mobile technology has become commonplace, still the dream of sustained personal flight has eluded us — until now. At $86,000, the Martin Aircraft jetpack costs about as much as a high-end car, achieves a 30-minute flight time, and is fueled by regular gasoline. A 10% deposit buys you a production slot for 12 months hence." Here's a video of some indoor test flights. This isn't Buck Rogers's jetpack — it's about 5 by 5 feet and weighs more than the average human. You won't be able to commute with it (the FAA has not certified this class of device) so it's recreational only for now.

6 of 303 comments (clear)

  1. That's fine but... by Wizard+Drongo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Where's my god damned flying car?!!

    / Also Duke Nukem Forever. Still waiting here...

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    The truth shall always be free: Boris Floricic is Tron.
    1. Re:That's fine but... by neight108 · · Score: 5, Funny

      If these things go fast enough, why would you actually need a flying car?

      Cup holders

    2. Re:That's fine but... by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Funny

      But ... but that's like walking! How should I show off my wealth while walking? Sure, I could put on nice, expensive Italian slippers, but nobody would see that. That fat limo, OTOH...

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      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. 'Jetpack' my patootie by macraig · · Score: 3, Funny

    That's not a 'jetpack'... it's a VTOL without the jet. And just as noisy... it's a boom box car that breaks wind.

  3. Re:wow, 6 feet off the ground by Barny · · Score: 3, Funny

    Probably takes all 30min of flight time to reach 8000ft, which is when you suddenly realise that redundant landing solutions are a great idea :)

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    /me sighs
  4. Re:It's in New Zealand and not in the USA by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually in the US I'm pretty sure they got it finished a few years ago, they just can't figure out where to put the "WARNING! Objects below you may appear more stable than they are!" sticker, the "WARNING! Do not let anyone under the age of 12 ride underneath the rotor blades" sticker and similar important safety informations.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.