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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."

4 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