Martin Jetpack 5000ft flight - highlights

To demonstrate flight high above the ground and the concept of the ballistic parachute as an emergency safety system, the Martin Jetpack was flown to around 1500m (5000ft), brought down from this height and an off-the-shelf ballistic parachute was deployed.The aircraft was flown by James via radio control in a chasing helicopter - also demonstrating the ability of the technology to apply to UAV applications. Jetson, Martin Aircraft Company's weighted dummy was on board, and the parachute was placed out front for visibility and weight balancing.The video features inventor Glenn Martin and RC pilot James Bowker. The jetpack ascended initially at 4m/s (800ft/min) and the climb took about 6 minutes. The parachute was deployed at around 3000ft above ground level. The aircraft sustained some damage on impact, but we would expect that it is likely a pilot would have walked away from this emergency landing. The total flight was just under 10 minutes.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[ghettodriftmonkey1]

What.

[Vexed Films]

Still a hilarious faceplant

[UjioSatashi]

In time there is a big probability that these will turn into the "Cars of the future" for many and one could see how we might face the same problem we face today with cars. I'm sure something can be made using lighter materials and other technologies. Who knows, i might go further with this..

[mikelh]

There is no way an electric motor would be able to develop enough power to carry the person and its power source even 1 inch off of the ground.

Personally I’m not worried about this device’s contribution to green house gasses. I think our efforts should be directed to reducing coal power plants and of course automobiles...Those are what current technology has found power plant replacement solutions for at this moment in time.

[RappyFX]

My right ear loves this video.

[UjioSatashi]

Great stuff MartinJetPack! Have you ever theorized about the making of a similar product, just using an electric or green technology motor instead of your current motor? Not intended to fly as high as possible as such, but for personal travel for each of us?

[ROBwithaB]

Let me just give you credit card details right now and save time later.

[bhoumik4]

TONY STARK, WE'RE CATCHING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[William Langfield]

It's a Twin Duct-Fan 'backpack' with vanes below the air stream to vector control. It's a NOT 'turbine' or 'Jet' (pack). I would only fly this on VERY calm day!

I want one, but MUST come with a parachute, just in case the motor or a fan blade quits!

[Lozza Turbo]

My point exactly. It is not a jet pack. One there are no jets, two it's the size of 20 average size packs. Not being a hater, it's a great bit of engineering, and I'm a New Zealander, yet its not a jet pack, its a one person turbine flying platform.

[casperround]

They are no 'Jets' on it, they are turbines with props.