THE MARTIN JETPACK

The research and development programme has spanned almost 30 years. The Martin Aircraft Company was founded in 1998 specifically to develop a jetpack that could fly 100 times longer than the 26 seconds of the Bell Rocket Belt.

The project was based on a concept developed by Glenn Martin in 1981 and verified by the University of Canterbury, Mechanical Engineering Department, in New Zealand. In 2005, the 9th prototype achieved sustained flight times, laying the foundation for a viable and successful pre-production prototype to be developed.

While originally designed with the leisure market in mind, we have seen strong demand from commercial markets, including civil defence, military and recreation.

With the unmanned remote-controlled (UAV) version well advanced in its research and development, our immediate focus is on refining the Martin Jetpack for defence and civil defence purposes, followed by the recreational markets.

Within each of these markets, there are a wide number of applications for the Martin Jetpack:

Defence – air mobile surveillance and communication hub, rapid insertion, airborne missile platform, UAV forward supply.

Civil Defence - emergency response, medic delivery, counter terrorism, border patrol.

Recreation – recreational flights through dedicated tourism ventures, pilot training and private recreational sales.

The Martin Jetpack is currently allowed to operate as a recreational vehicle but is restricted to non-urban airspace. But many peoples’ dream is for a jetpack that is a commuter vehicle.

While there are a number of barriers to this presently, it is not inconceivable that at some stage in the future commuting via jetpack may become a reality. The FAA Highways in the Sky project is being developed to provide flight paths for this.

Unlike anything that has come before it, the Martin Jetpack is the world’s first practical jetpack in that it:

• Flies for a reasonable amount of time (30 minutes) at a reasonable speed (up to 100 Kph)
• Is safe, with a wide range of commercial applications
• Is easy to use, and affordable to purchase and maintain

Martin Aircraft has built several prototypes so we have a good idea how much they cost to manufacture. Based on current estimates of sales volumes, Martin Aircraft Company is targeting an initial sales price of US$100,000 for the recreational version of the aircraft.

It goes without saying that safety informs all aspects of the development of the Martin Jetpack. We look for safety in design, operations, through pilot training and have incorporated structural design and emergency systems that minimize the impact of an accident.

The Martin Jetpack’s extensive safety features include a rapid deploying parachute, roll cage structure and shock absorbing undercarriage.

An unmanned remote-controlled (UAV) version is well advanced in its development with field trials expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011. The experiance from the UAV field trials will significantly improve the capabilities of the Martin Jetpack for first unmanned, then manned flight.

A key component of aircraft safety comes from its ease of flight. The company is currently fine tuning the human machine interface, flight control systems, electronic stability and computer aided flight. Extensive field trials are due to be carried out on the unmanned version (UAV) before a manned version is advanced to this stage.

As we develop flight control systems, we are at the same time working on pilot training systems. Effectively trained pilots will reduce pilot error induced safety events. We are also working on a range of simulators to make pilot training inherently safer.

That depends on the particular country's regulations. In the U.S. market technically you do not require a license to fly an Ultralight. However to attempt to fly any aircraft without professional instruction is extremely foolhardy. The Martin Jetpack is a unique aircraft and all owners are required to pass the Martin Aircraft Company’s approved training programme before flying the aircraft.

The Martin Jetpack has first mover advantage in the untapped Jetpack market. As the world’s first practical jetpack, we have a leadership position and have cornered the technology on this, rolling out protection for our four key break-through patents across 55 countries. We are advised by leading US IP law firm Christie, Parker, Hale LLP.

The Martin Jetpack is the result of years of input from a team of world class engineers and developers.

Martin Aircraft Company has built a team of experienced staff, executives and board members with a broad background in engineering technology, the aviation industry, business development and marketing.

The board, management and current shareholders are interested in growing the company, initially through sales of the jetpack to specialist users, such as military and civil defence, and later through sales to a broader base of customers for recreational use.

Martin Aircraft Company has established a highly regarded team of advisors both within New Zealand and internationally. These advisors cover all aspects of the Jetpack development from engine development to training and safety systems.

Follow this link to meet our executive team .