11 November 2015

Martin Aircraft Company Limited (Martin Aircraft) (ASX: MJP) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Civil Defence for the intended future delivery of manned and unmanned Jetpacks, Simulators, Spares Parts, Support Services and both Pilot and Engineer training for appropriate Civil Defence and Fire Service personnel.

The agreement was signed on 9 November 2015 at the Dubai Air Show and marks a significant step forward for the advanced delivery of first responder services in the United Arab Emirates.

The signing ceremony at the Dubai Air Show was attended by Lt Col Expert Ali Hassan Almutawa, Director Operations on behalf of Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director-General of Civil Defence and senior representatives of both the New Zealand and Dubai government, along with the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Martin Aircraft Company Mr Peter Coker.

Lt Col Ali Almutawa said that “The vision of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) is protecting lives, properties and environment and to provide fast professional service, efficient investment of human and material sources to give best results. Dubai is one of the fastest growing future cities in the world with its modern skyscrapers and vast infrastructure it has always been a world leader in adapting new technology to improve and save people’s lives, the introduction of Martin Jetpacks into our fleet of emergency response vehicles is another example of how Dubai leads the world” he said.

The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with substantial capabilities and is able to be flown by a pilot or via remote control. The Jetpack can take off and land vertically (VTOL) and because of its small dimensions, it can operate in confined spaces such as close to or between buildings, near trees or in confined areas that other VTOL aircraft such as helicopters cannot access.

This highly responsive tactical air asset allows for rapid deployment for Civil Defence roles such as; Intelligent surveillance, Initial intervention, heavy lift payload drone, high rise rescue, and rapid deployment of specialist teams.

The parties are working towards the future delivery of a Martin Aircraft package with an initial tranche of upto 20 Jetpacks and 2 simulators. It will also include initial training services and operational support with sale is subject to agreeing a supply contract.

Commenting on the agreement, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Martin Aircraft, Peter Coker said, “Martin Aircraft has focused on the first responder markets for introduction of its innovative aircraft, the Martin Jetpack which provides to organisations such as the Dubai Civil Defence a significant operational advantage being able to carry commercial payloads of up to 120kgs unlike Quadcopters which are limited to only a few kilograms”. The UAE has such strong and visionary leadership that has recognised the importance and utility of our technology and we look forward to the day when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, who we know is also a keen aviator, flies one of our Jetpacks and experience the practicality of what the future holds for us all”, said Coker