Martin Jetpack
There are a number of water toys on the market for thrill-seekers, but not many that can travel over...…
There are a number of water toys on the market for thrill-seekers, but not many that can travel over the water in a way that the Martin Jetpack does. This extreme one-man flying machine was conceived and developed by New Zealander Glenn Martin, a member of the Board of Directors at Martin Aircraft Company Ltd.
The Jetpack, which looks like something out of a James Bond movie, produces 200hp from its 2-litre, 2-stroke Martin Aircraft engine and can cover a distance of 31.5 miles at a maximum speed of 63mph. The carbon fibre composite structure has a number of safety features to keep the pilot as secure as possible when flying over the water at speed! These include the structure extending below the spine to help minimise injury from extreme landings, an internal roll cage and a carbon/Kevlar hoop to protect from side impacts so that “The pilot is housed in a protective cocoon by the structure and engine”, states the Martin Aircraft Company.
However, the most significant safety feature is the 'Ballistic Parachute', which can be deployed to return the pilot and Jetpack back to the ground safely in the event of mechanical failure or similar event.
Despite the capabilities of this machine, there is no need for a FAA pilots license to fly the craft, but it has been designed to adhere to FAA Part 103, Ultralight Regulations. License or not, training is required to be able to operate the Jetpack safely and is only suitable for pilots between 63kg and 108kg. “We have devised a unique training program, which all owners are required to pass”, says the Martin Aircraft Company. “The program is modelled on the standard helicopter-training program with parts of the Bell Rocket Belt and Harrier training programs incorporated.”
Martin Jetpack’s will be on the market for an estimated US$100,000 with orders due to be taken soon.
Related Links:
Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.
