OSHKOSH -- The Martin Jetpack is a secret no more. This photo, obtained exclusively by FlightBlogger, is the first picture of the new Martin Jetpack anywhere in the world. A test flight is expected here at EAA AirVenture this morning when the official announcement is made at 9:30 AM CT.
Little is known about the capabilities of this flying machine, though sources familiar with its design say it can fly 100 times longer than previous jetpacks. Historically, 26 seconds has been the endurance of previous technology. This being the case, the Martin Jetpack could potentially be able to fly for as much as 40 minutes at a time on a single tank of gas.
More pictures and a video at NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/science/29jetpack.html
I think the NYTimes beat you to it. They not only had a photo of it on their front page this morning (Tuesday), it was a picture of their own reporter flying the thing.
Well, it might fly longer - but definitely not as cool as that one from the 60s demo that they had in Disneyland!
Hardly a JET pack, more like a twin ducted-fan pack.
Wow, those are really strong guys to lift all that up and make it look effortless. ;-)
Now just color it a shiny red and yellow, add some weapons on it, and you got yourself a mass produced Ironman. woot!
Don't mean to sound like a doubter, but if two burly dudes have to go along with you the whole time, it implies some flight control issues. Also makes overwater flight kind of a challenge...
I think Television New Zealand was first actually, they showed it on the news Tuesday night NZ time =P
This has to be one of the lamest technology demonstrations ever. Two guys holding its steady? The ONLY point to the thing is to lift someone into the air. Safely.
It's like, I've got a brand new totally amazing operating system, I'll show it to you,... it runs in a virtual window on Vista. Gimmie a break!
they made one of these in 2 days on Myth Busters using plans they found on the internet - 2 years ago.
I think it is pretty obvious that the two guys wouldn’t be required under normal circumstances. The handles they hold look to be a special addition to the pack, and probably just a precaution when demoing so close to a crowd.
when do they start selling these? Do you think they will sell them at Sears
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His feet are just dangling there, it seems like they could be put to good use if they were given some of the more basic controls. But then again weight is an issue, and it may be easier to operate with two hands than with all of your hands and feet. Or if its militarized the feet could be used as controls while the hands operate your weapons, just my two cents.
Get this guy teamed up with inventor Dean Kamen to give that poor thing some stability and you might have yourself a winner :)
WOW THOSE TWO GUYS MUST BE STRONG!!!!