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The First 'Practical' Jetpack May Be On Sale In Two Years

Posted by Soulskill on from the for-sufficiently-impractical-values-of-practical dept.

Daniel_Stuckey writes "This week, New Zealand-based company Martin Aircraft became certified to take what it calls 'the world's first practical jetpack' out for a series of manned test flights. If all goes well, the company plans to start selling a consumer version of the jetpack in 2015, starting at $150,000 to $200,000 and eventually dropping to $100,000. 'For us it's a very important step because it moves it out of what I call a dream into something which I believe we're now in a position to commercialize and take forward very quickly,' CEO Peter Coker told the AFP."

6 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. Practical by ZombieBraintrust · · Score: 4, Insightful

    30 minutes max... 400 pounds.... starting at $150,000

    I think this guy has a skewed idea of practical.

  2. hmm by orbitalia · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Only it's not practical, a jet, or a pack.

  3. Re:More like a ultralight helicopter by CanHasDIY · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This thing is heavier than some ultralight helicopters.

    If you want an ultralight helicopter, they're available for as little as $6,000.

    FYI, My wife will not be happy about you providing that link. You did a baaaaad thing :)

    I, on the other hand, can't think of a more fun way to get myself killed! Well, not for the low, low price of 6 grand, anyway.

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  4. Re:Could somebody... by capnkr · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You'd better "earmark" a portion of that $150K for some serious hearing protection...

    Watched the video and *phew* is that thing ever noisy, and in a range which is bothersome - like an overlarge mosquito.

    --
    "...there are some things that can beat smartness and foresight. Awkwardness and stupidity can." ~ Mark Twain
  5. Re:It's not a jet pack by Trax3001BBS · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Just sayin'

    Yep, noticed that 33 seconds into the video when it didn't run out of fuel.

  6. This is not a jet pack. by Karmashock · · Score: 3, Insightful

    To be a jet pack, I need to be able to carry it on my back. Walk around with it, and then take to the sky at will.

    That was the dream of the jet pack. That it would give a person the ability to walk around and then leap into the sky at will.

    This thing does fly... but you can't really walk with it.

    Its sort of like calling something a sea plane when it can't float. Yeah... it might fly... but... if it sinks when it hits the water its not a sea plane.

    This isn't a jet pack. Try again.

    --
    I've decided to stop wasting my time responding to AC trolls/sockpuppets... so if you want a response from me... login.