In this Feb. 9, 2016 photo, test
pilot Michael van der Vliet operates a flight simulator at the Martin Aircraft
Co. headquarters in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Some
things about jetpacks that you didn't know you needed to know:
WHAT
IS A JETPACK, EXACTLY?
The
word "jetpack" is really a misnomer when it comes to the device being
developed by the Martin Aircraft Co. That's because the Martin Jetpack gets its
lift from twin ducted fans—think of a miniature helicopter with enclosed
blades. And it's too big to be worn like a backpack, rather the pilot needs to
strap in. The company says its jetpacks are maneuverable enough that somebody
could fly one in and out of their own garage. Empty, the jetpack weighs about
200 kilograms (440 pounds). It's made from carbon-fiber and aluminum and
powered by a piston engine which uses regular gasoline. One will cost about
$200,000.
HOW
HIGH AND HOW FAST?
Martin
Aircraft says its jetpack can fly at up to 74 kilometers per hour (46 mph) at
heights of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters), for a maximum duration of between 30
and 45 minutes. The pilot controls thrust, altitude and direction with two hand
controls, similar to those on a motorbike. The "fly-by-wire" system is
computer regulated. The jetpack also comes equipped with a ballistic parachute
in case anything goes wrong.
WHO
CAN FLY ONE?
Martin
Aircraft says its jetpacks are actually aircraft and so people will need a
pilot's license to fly one. Pilots will need additional training on a jetpack
simulator. Pilots will wear a flying suit, boots and a helmet. Inside the
helmet, a radio system will allow pilots to converse with air
traffic control in the same way as pilots on planes. Inventor Glenn
Martin had hoped to keep the devices smaller and get them classified as
ultralight aircraft, which in the U.S. don't require a license to fly.
WHEN
CAN I GET ONE?
Probably
not anytime soon. Martin Aircraft has a business plan to initially make
jetpacks for first responders, which could be used for natural disasters,
search and rescue missions, or even surf patrol. It plans to deliver the first
prototypes to customers later this year. After that, Martin is looking at
selling them to commercial operators such as the oil and gas industry and
perhaps to the military. Recreational jetpacks are probably a few years away at
least, and inventor Glenn Martin fears Martin Aircraft will never make one for
personal use.
IS
IT LEGAL TO FLY?
Jetpacks
represent a new challenge for aviation authorities and may require the creation
of an entire new category. The Martin Jetpack has been approved by New
Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority for experimental flights but not yet for
commercial use. The authority said it's working closely with Martin Aircraft as
the company develops the jetpack to ensure Martin meets all necessary
safety and technical requirements. Martin's CEO Peter Coker says it hopes to
get certified in New Zealand and for authorities in other nations to use that
as a template.
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