Is this your jetpack?

Joe Flaugher, Springboro, Ohio — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:15:08 GMT

I don't see Martin's vehicle as the epitome of a personal aircraft for the masses- especially at $100K. But, it is a good step forward and will surely prompt others to try their hands at developing something similar- and hopefully more compact.

The glass ceiling for any device of this kind is the overkill of requlations that keep something like this from being in everyday use. The FAA (and to some extent the NTSB) will undoubtedly take their sweet time in certifying any aircraft for point-to-point use regardless of its popularity or functionality.

Maybe one day we'll all be able to slip those surly bonds of earth. Right now, it's still the same old grind.

Is this your jetpack?

Luke, Alexandria, Egypt — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:32:47 GMT

Very cool, but it is very big.

Is this your jetpack?

Ryan, Davenport, Iowa — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:58:48 GMT

Well if I win the lottery I will take 2.....cause I am clumsy and will most likely crash the first one.

Is this your jetpack?

Don, Nashville — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:06:42 GMT

Cool - Hope this "takes flight".

Is this your jetpack?

Kara, Eureka CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:12:17 GMT

That thing is soooooo freakin loud I think I went deaf just by watching the sneak peak!

Is this your jetpack?

Tom Austin, urbana, IL — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:31:47 GMT

An interesting "real life" test would be to figure out an MPG rating. Though I don't see it being used in the city any time soon, It could make one heck of a commute vehicle.

Is this your jetpack?

G. Kennedy, W.P.B. Fla. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:15:31 GMT

The air propulsion is a very interesting concept
and has been used in various military applications for years (i.e. the Harrier comes to mind). It's a shame the developer has not entertained a more fuel friendly concept such as the use of Hydrogen. The use of HHO (or Brown's Gas) is becoming more popular as the current energy crisis hits us all at the money belt. Hydrogen is extracted from water through the process of electrolysis. The gas is 3 times more powerful than gasoline. The device could even be made lighter and go further on a tankful. But if it was really just built for the wealthy, than conservation of fuel is probably not that important, so carry on.

Is this your jetpack?

Teri Lueders, McKinney Texas — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:15:55 GMT

Great. I didn't know you could strap two leaf blowers to yourself and hover a couple of feet above ground, while two cast members from Spamalot gallop alongside you to impart a sense of panic among all who watch. Actually, I think I heard these guys practicing at 7 am in my neighborhood this past weekend. Perhaps your next big "breakthrough" could be a muffler for that thing?

Is this your jetpack?

Dan, Yorktown VA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:20:06 GMT

As cool as it looks, it is easy to see that he has really invented a suicide machine. Jet skis kill hundreds of people per year. Automobiles kill tens of thousands. I see this thing killing about half of the people that fly it. It isn't the machine's fault, or even the inventor's... it's simply that human beings are notoriously STUPID and will most certainly holler "watch this" right before they die.

Is this your jetpack?

Fadda Eart — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:21:48 GMT

It really is the 50s with cooler gadgets, ain't it.
What a price we have paid to make those dreams come true...well, sorta, almost, maybe true...in a couple of more years.
Unfortunately, every piece of the dream is based on Petro-Chems...none of the toys would exist without it.
And, shortly...likely a couple of years...as usual...we'll get to see whether or not the dream fulfillment has done us in...what a friggin' hoot that is, eh, Kids?
Humanity?...Cooler Cell Phones?...it's your call.
Hang onto your hats...here we go...

Is this your jetpack?

Don, Nashville — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:31:20 GMT

Cool; I hope this "takes flight".

Is this your jetpack?

Mikebarr, Chicago — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:32:25 GMT

Every kid has always wanted to fly like Peter Pan and Martin may make this dream come true. Cool.

Is this your jetpack?

Brian, Sacramento CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:35:28 GMT

Does it run on regular unleaded? How cool would that be to drop right into the local filling station, fill up, and take off again!

Is this your jetpack?

Jerry Piatt, Northridge, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:43:29 GMT

This is truly ridiculous! Does anyone really think it's practical to strap something this size to your back? And for what practical purpose?? A huge waste of research dollars that could have been used for something with practical application.

Is this your jetpack?

Nathan, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:54:59 GMT

Great idea that might take off one day to be its own class like ATVs, etc. The price will only drop with time and streamlined manufacturing as well.

Is this your jetpack?

Stephanie, Los Gatos, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:56:13 GMT

This is great! He should make it run on something other than gas, everyone will buy one if they can take that to work instead of drive.

Is this your jetpack?

Kelly Colson, Lexington, KY — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:04:28 GMT

As a child of the mid to late sixties, I had always dreamed of flying to school under a jet pack and simply storing it in my locker until it was time to go home. I have always been fascinated by jet packs and the possibility of this type of flight. I hope this prototype "takes-off" and does well for Mr. Martin.

Is this your jetpack?

Barry — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:09:22 GMT

About 20 years ago, Omni magazine had a lunar rover design contest and the prize was a real jetpack ride. I don't know what made that jetpack a "failure" but now I'm glad I didn't win.

Is this your jetpack?

Ray---Dallas TX — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:21:17 GMT

The "thing" in the video only gets about 4 f' off the ground & that's with two guys holding on to it---to say it can go 8,000 feet up is riduculas---I doube if it will go 10'!!!!!!!

Is this your jetpack?

Tina, Augast, GA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:26:21 GMT

Is this guy for real?! Ah well, the rich must always have their toys, I suppose. It's not like our country is facing any economic difficulty or anything...

Is this your jetpack?

Wayne B, Fullerton, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:29:35 GMT

wowwwww!!! so cooooool !!!!!

Is this your jetpack?

Trent Peaker, Denver, CO — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:35:29 GMT

I prefer the jetpack found at www.gofastsports.com. It's much smaller, lighter and more comparable to something you'd see in a James Bond flick.

Is this your jetpack?

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:40:44 GMT

Other than as a novelty toy, and we love those, I think the only real use anything like this will see is in the military. Sneak in close to the enemy then pounce through the air. It would have to be a lot quieter and probably lighter. A scram jet using compressed air, or compressed oxygen drawing an air fuel mixture. A small unit could also be used for rapid escape, generally issued to ground patrols. A two person model might be used for touring, professional pilot and a passenger, like helicopter tours now. I imagine that would be financially feasible, but with the training required I don't see individual rentals.

Is this your jetpack?

Joe G., San Diego, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:02:53 GMT

Martin,
Add stablizers, wings, and a aerodynamic comfort pod for the man please, in the winter it gets cold at 8000 feet...I think you have something here...

Is this your jetpack?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:07:22 GMT

I wish there was a base price for it so that I can dream of a way to make the money to buy it. Is it something that I could commute 50 miles each to work with? It would really save me some wear and tear on my car. What fuel does it take?

Is this your jetpack?

Jerryg — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:07:58 GMT

Does the $100,000 price include the cost of the 2 idiots walking next to you holding the handles?

One of the most unipressive demo tapes I have ever seen. Must have been "released" by a competitor.

Dumb and Dumber

Is this your jetpack?

Bill McDonough, Smithtown, NY — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:48:43 GMT

I dunno, it looks suspiciously like a rig they built on Mythbusters like 4 years ago... that, too, worked, but it was most definitely not a 'jetpack'.

And that only took them a few weeks to design and build.

Is this your jetpack?

Jay Edelman, Fremont, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:05:54 GMT

Like hovercraft car and nuclear-powered rockets, the jet pack appears to be a solution in search of a problem. It's not so much a matter of technology, but appropriate use of technology that's at issue here. Regardless of price point, what is the legitimate use for the device?

Is this your jetpack?

James, Seattle, WA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:17:10 GMT

This is just another example of someone looking to cash in on ignorant investors. Like all ducted fan helicopters, that thing can't be safely controlled... and the video proves it. It will never do anything more than hover in a small area.

Is this your jetpack?

John from California — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:26:58 GMT

I have been waiting for this most of my life.

Is this your jetpack?

Bill pittsburgh pa. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:32:12 GMT

Wow!!!!!! pass the potato salad.

Is this your jetpack?

KevinWilson,Genoa,Il — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:39:15 GMT

More toys powered by gasoline. I'm thinking we're not getting it.

Is this your jetpack?

John Reynolds, Norman, OK — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:48:49 GMT

It's an interesting device; might have military applications if it's size and weight are reduced. But a jet pack this certainly is not. By the description and pictures, one can see it's a VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. It does NOT strap onto one's back, a person straps onto the device. It's prop-driven, powered by a piston engine. It's heavy, and clunky. But it's still experimental so if there's enough interest in it (by the well-heeled searching for a new toy) improvements are likely.

Is this your jetpack?

pffft! LACA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:49:25 GMT

This is such a bad idea...Imagine this after a few brewskis

Is this your jetpack?

Bob Mora, Orlando, Florida — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:58:14 GMT

If I was rich and had $100,000 to blow I'd buy it. Looks like it would be fun to try.

Is this your jetpack?

Dr. Morbius and the Krell, Altair IV — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:58:16 GMT

Watched the video and just about fell out of my chair from laughing! I doubt even Wiley Coyote would order one of these at any price, even if offered by ACME. Too bad Letterman no longer does his "stupid human tricks" bit, this guy is a prime candidate. Thanks for the technology update, Al - but this isn't exactly what we had in mind.

Is this your jetpack?

Jason, Houston, Tx — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:03:51 GMT

i want one!!!!!

Is this your jetpack?

Stephy Lynn — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:34:20 GMT

Im pretty sure there are already jet packs before this.... http://www.jetpackinternational.com/ ...expensive expensive....

Is this your jetpack?

JBritzos — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:42:18 GMT

I'm no aeronautical engineer, but it looks like the center of gravity is way to high for any stability. If it rolls, all on board are goners.

Is this your jetpack?

Frank, Dallas, TX — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:47:01 GMT

An "aircraft" with no way to land if there is an engine failure, except by parachute? The lawyers will kill this one before it makes it out of the gate.

Is this your jetpack?

Brandon — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:47:14 GMT

$100,000? Well if this is anything like all the other hype items (TIVO BLUE RAY, HD TVS) We can expect this to cheapin up a bit. If I had that kind of money, I would buy one.Since it already has the parachute, just dont hit a power line. How dangerous could it actually be? The seagway didn't turn out to be quite the hit they expected, but if people find these packs easy to fly, I think we will see a lot more of these type of aircraft in the future. Divinci has predicted it for centuries.

Is this your jetpack?

Ja Davi — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:56:50 GMT

Cool; count me in.

Is this your jetpack?

Verne Harper, Longview, Texas — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:08:47 GMT

It's too pricey. Let the rich people pay the $100,000 at the bleeding edge of technology. I'll wait for Jetpack 3.0 at about $5,000 like most other normal people.

Is this your jetpack?

Dennis Wengert, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:13:36 GMT

Without the dreamers and schemers, where would aviation be? Rutan, Thorpe, Beade and others are all good examples. I say 'Good for Glenn Martin!' Innovation is not the exclusive province of large companies and deep pocketed investors (although they DO play a part re: Sir Richard Branson). Let's celebrate success regardless of the source!!

Sure, there's bound to be questions about safety, reliability, and cost. Those questions will be answered by the insurance underwriters in the form of manufacturer product liability insurance...which nearly killed both Cessna and Piper. If Martin can successfully surmount his upcoming insurance challenges, we'll see the jetpack in the hands of a few lucky individuals within the next 2-3 years. It may cost much more than $100K due to the liability insurance costs, but 'if you build it, they will come.'

Is this your jetpack?

EDDIE VERSTEGEN,SAN ANTONIO,TEXAS — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:22:57 GMT

AMAZING, THE FUTURE SURE CAN HAVE A BRIGHT APPEARANCE, IF ONLY WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALL THE POLITICS GOING ONAROUND THE WORLD.

Is this your jetpack?

Jerry Spelfman, Salisbury, MD — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:57:09 GMT

Has the jetpack ever exploded during the trials? It really seems like the tanks are rather large and placed by the pilots head

Is this your jetpack?

ErikS — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:10:44 GMT

Great Job! The boys at Mythbusters could not make one work but you sure did. Good luck, it is gonna be way out of my price range.

Is this your jetpack?

Franklin, TN — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:18:54 GMT

The videos I have seen show a lack of stabilization, beginning with the pilot's feet.

Is this your jetpack?

BH, Laconia, NH — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:59:18 GMT

All you price naysayers need to know that the average price of a new 4 place Cessna Skyhawk is WELL over a quarter million dollars. And the new "Sport Aircraft: planes are generally $100K plus. Both are selling well.

As for the FAA, all one needs to do is keep it below 500', where they have no authority.

Is this your jetpack?

daemon — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:37:30 GMT

"An "aircraft" with no way to land if there is an engine failure, except by parachute? The lawyers will kill this one before it makes it out of the gate."

Errr.... last time I checked helicopters were still in production?

Is this your jetpack?

Tim, jupiter Fla. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:43:23 GMT

Dan, I'm kinda nervous about your statement that jet ski's and cars kill hundreds and thousands of people each year.Thank God they can't get into the house from the garage at night. But wait, My sport bike can fit through the door, I heard they "kill" people too ! oh damn, theres a gun in my drawer, knives in the kitchen.They kill thousands also. The Model glue..The alcohol in the.. Things that "Kill people" all around me. Ahhhhh....Run for your lives !!

Is this your jetpack?

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:12:42 GMT

Very unstable and bulky. What is the point of this?

Is this your jetpack?

K. Erikson, Fredericksburg, VA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:21:42 GMT

Range? Speed? Max Altitude? What ever happened to the DARPA-sponsored Millenium Jet aka SoloTrek? These platforms that we strap into would enjoy the benefit of computer controlled manuevers to allow it to hover with precision; add GPS and terrain avoidance radar to the mix and you have what just about every basic unmanned aerial vehicle already has...So if you are a downed aircrew member and need extraction you can program one of these gizmos to take off and land at your predetermine location, or it can be airdropped from a C-130 and as it freefalls, an altimeter switch kicks in and starts the craft up to soft land at a predetermined spot and the downed aircrew member can punch in a code that was preprogrammed off of his ISOPREP card and it automatically takes him to the friendly territory.

Or it can make for a really neat carny ride! Cha!

Is this your jetpack?

Geno, Salem, Or. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:22:40 GMT

Gee! I'd love to comment on this so called 'Jet'Pack,
but the absurdity of it keeps getting in the way of
logic and safety concerns. Hard to realize that some
investors will want a piece of it. I think Barnum had
the words I'm looking for! Lots of luck!

Is this your jetpack?

Andrew Dahl — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:27:14 GMT

A company called SoloTrek made a prototype ducted-flying-backpack like this but much smaller, much cooler, that looked sleek and fast. They were even funded by the DOD and DARPA, and their unit was performing tethered tests... Don't know what happened to it (the website closed down one day and has never been back). NOW THAT ducted-jetpack WOULD HAVE been COOL!!!

Is this your jetpack?

Mojito — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:07:08 GMT

No problem, 100.000 today for rich people only, and just like the very first video-recorders, in some years maybe it will be affordable for less and with a lot of improvements...

Is this your jetpack?

Alfred Cox — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:48:26 GMT

Great Martin! It's obvious that a revolution in commuter transportation must take place,and it's obvious that to go forward we must go vertical. Rather than heliport stations, and highrise elevators I think the jetpack is the more practical way toward modernizing commuter traffic. (I must tell you though one Sunday morning sometime in the '90s, early in the a.m. I saw a man in a similiar pack flying about the same height (800ft). Yes, and it was noisy. I thought it was a helicopter at first but to my suprised amazement...
Inquiries availed me nothing. I suspected some MIT group experiment.)

Is this your jetpack?

scott lexington, ky — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:53:46 GMT

What a bunch of short sighted whiners!

One CLEAR application is search and rescue in difficult terrain! DUH!

Is this your jetpack?

Ben Millspaugh — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:28 GMT

Nano technology will eventually make this about the size of a backpack. Within a decade or two, anti-gravity technology will make it affordable.

Is this your jetpack?

Wally Anderson — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:46:16 GMT

I find it interesting that the design is so similar to the SoloTrek aka Springtail, designed by Michael Mosher. There was also an attempt on mythbusters to build one but the engine was underpowered.

This is something the modern technology should have perfected, and if Boeing or Lockheed, Ford or Chevy had wanted to to do this we would be flying to work everyday.

The saddest part is that the first crash and death will send the FAA types to ban all personal aircraft, unfortunately, as this is the dream of every child from the 60s-today. Flight, uninhibited flight.

Congrats to this man for pushing his dream and letting his teen son fly it. Can you imagine the coolness of knowing your dad built a flight pack?

Modern avionics, gyroscopics and computers should make it stable and reliable.

Is this your jetpack?

DH — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:48:32 GMT

This is a stupid, pathetic joke. Shame on you for wasting my time.

Is this your jetpack?

Eric Hedman, Pewaukee, WI — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:04:36 GMT

The flying demo at the EAA yesterday was a bit underwhelming. They need to be a bit farther along in development. After the 50 second hover 2 feet off the ground with two people holding it in place one person in the crowd near me yelled, "This blows". A local TV reporter told me he couldn't find anyone that was impressed. The need to finish development and come back next year to show a better demo.

P.S. Alan it was good to meet you yesterday.

Is this your jetpack?

Glennjamin, MPLS, MN — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:22:23 GMT

Congratulations to Glenn Martin & Crew!!! You're on the opening edge of bringing yours,mine & others dreams to life! We dreamers know you have a little tweaking to do but we're with you in spirit. Don't worry about those nattering nabobs of negativity. I'll give you two years to make it a little smaller and less expensive - it would make me a great 50th birthday present. Keep up the good work.

Is this your jetpack?

todd, mountain city, tennessee — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:49:28 GMT

i think someone will probably buy it and improve upon it for a later show.

Is this your jetpack?

Farmer John, Beaverton Oregon — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:12:01 GMT

This thing is great, but I hope the helmet is optional? It really wouldn't be of much use when descending head first from from any altitude (you buy this thing and the next thing you'll buy is the farm...it's a death machine).

Save your money and drop a ripe mellon from the rooftop to see what you've just avoided.

Is this your jetpack?

Ron, Houston — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:33:42 GMT

daemon,
Helicopters land by auto-rotation in the event of engine failure.

Is this your jetpack?

Matt, Cincinnati OH — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:36:03 GMT

For 100K, that is not a lot of money considering the uses and the kickoff of what this technology could bring and for how long he worked on his vision. Obviously the price is not catered for all working classes. Remember the first cell phone? Expensive, and was very very bulky and look at the evolution of those in just 14 years - satellite, military, real time web, streaming and so on and practically cost a penny.

This is a working prototype, so nothing is perfect, but it is working...ten years from now who knows how perfected it will be.

With any type of aircraft, the prototype will eventually become a standard model once defects are cleared and the need for this type of technology is developed.

Is this your jetpack?

Guy S. Newell — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:51:20 GMT

This will be a great way to get rid of all the rich play-boys. Let them auger it into the mud-ball. So long as the authorities don't spend millions of dollars of tax-payer's money looking for them.

Is this your jetpack?

Guy S. Newell — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:53:46 GMT

"The videos I have seen show a lack of stabilization, beginning with the pilot's feet. " - I was going to say "beginning with the pilot's head." The inventor doesn't seem to tightly wrapped either.

Is this your jetpack?

Guy S. Newell — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:55:19 GMT

Finally, somebody came up with a personal transportation device even dumber than the Segway. Congrats.

Is this your jetpack?

Dave Doherty, St Louis, mo — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:39:20 GMT

A lot of these comments look like those the Wright Brothers experienced a hundred years ago. Look at where we are now. Give these guys credit. They've done what many considered impossible. I'd like to get my hands on one of their engines. 200 hp at such a light weight is awesome. Congrats to Martin co for solving the problem of controlling their invention. Well Done!!

Is this your jetpack?

Frank Glover Rochester, NY — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:53:54 GMT

"It's a shame the developer has not entertained a more fuel friendly concept such as the use of Hydrogen."

They'd face the same problems that anyone else who wants to use hydrogen as a fuel faces: difficulty of storage, low energy density. And for anything that flies, weight is even more critical. There's a reason the Shuttle ET is as big as it is.

If hydrogen liquefied at liquid nitrogen or liquid natural gas temps, and had a density closer to that of water, a lot of engineering problems would be more manageable. But it doesn't. We must deal with it.

Is this your jetpack?

Saagar Pateder, Houston, Texas — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:41:01 GMT

The jet pack: the new form of transportation, the future. However, this jet pack might be too big to handle properly. Also $100k ? I thought this kind of technology would have been $150k instead for several reasons:
1. This is DEFINITELY cutting-edge technology
2. Think about it. This is one-of-a-kind, and there's no doubt about it
3. This might just be way greener than cars.
4a. If the health sector grabbed hold of this unique machine, think about this.
4b. NO more accidents. (Who can crash when you have 5000 lanes?
4c. Faster response to accidents
If you can fly over traffic to assist someone, they probably would have possibly a 28% higher chance of survival. (Notice possibly! This number is simply an estimated guess.)
Anyways..........................

Jet packs are seriously cool.

Is this your jetpack?

chris, alabama — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:03:03 GMT

I'm glad Christopher Columbus didn't waste money and resources on a useless whim!! Where would we be without his useless and dangerous trip to find new trade routes that weren't there? Where would we be without all the idiots who wasted time and resources to bring us things like the combustion engine or the MRI? America was built on ingenuity and invention. Where is that spirit today?

Is this your jetpack?

ray — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:43:38 GMT

what if it rains or snows, winter is cold to fly basicaly nake.. no windscreen.. it's a hobbie for some but I would not invest in martin ac if I had caps to venture out..
Ray

Is this your jetpack?

JH, Cincinnati, OH — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:06:33 GMT

Below 500' the FAA has no authority? That's a new one on me. Last time I looked, Class B, C, D, and Surface area Class E airspace all have areas that extend to the ground. Also, the FAA regulates ultralight aircraft, and the reg's state they cannot fly over densly populated airspace...at ANY altitude. And yes, this includes below 500' too.

Is this your jetpack?

Chris, Tempe, AZ — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:13:46 GMT

Helicopters autorotate, so no parachute required, just extensive training. Too large, too expensive, too unstable. And didn't Burt Rutan's company already do this? See their aircar... As for the Cessna Skyhawk costing a quarter million plus, last time I checked, you could go further than 30 miles in a Skyhawk....and more comfortably....and more passengers, etc...

Let's compare apples to apples people...geez....

Is this your jetpack?

Richard — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:15:58 GMT

I was there - I saw it - and I saw a flight performed in the middle of a 5000 person crowd. The gave the best demo they could to stay safe on the day.

Go to their stand at Oskosh, talk to their people, and you will soon understand this is a serious breakthrough in aviation.

Well done Glenn Martin

Is this your jetpack?

Richard — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:01:39 GMT

Too many critics and not enough enthusiasm. If somebody feels the need to design and build something with their own money, which they did, then good for them. what you people don't realize is that they were highly regulated as to what they could do at the airshow. The two people were and will only be there for safety considerations. As for the center of gravity, it is quite low because of where the engine is located. The design may be big and bulky, but I'd definitely love to see the critics design something better. If you are wondering... No, I do not work for them. I was in Oshkosh when they unveiled it. I talked with them about it and learn a lot. So next time you want to question technology and progress in the world, don't even bother turning on your computer(you probably wrote letters to congress about us wasting time and money on computers too!!!). Because it is people like the designers of this "jetpack" that allow convienent and pratical things to eventually come from may at first be deemed useless and impratical. P.S. you might as well turn off your electricity too, because I am pretty sure you were one of those people who deemed electricity and light bulbs to be a novelty for the wealthy.

Is this your jetpack?

dinhphungtran,Katineholm,Sweden — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:41:53 GMT

Vow!
Well done!for first step, second, third && cont step foward to improve it convinience for public, do hope so

Is this your jetpack?

Dr Michael — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:40 GMT

Impractical, not just in a basic sense of the word. Possibly an unmanned version would be useful. the japanese have a much better version and it already flys at HIGH speed and altitude as well.
http://www.acecraftusa.com/

Is this your jetpack?

Dr Michael — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:14:21 GMT

Lets not forget FAA is for America only. What about PAL-V ? Or the GENH-4 ?

This heavy device is certainly a leap forward, but by no means ready for any sales. Reminds me so much of MOLLER VTOL. I invested in that. they never got off the ground far either.....

Is this your jetpack?

jason, San Francisco, Ca — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:30:00 GMT

for everyone linking the sport jetpack from gofast, what you are missing is that this vehicle is estimated to go 31 miles at nearly as fast - unfortunately at 6mpg

Is this your jetpack?

GWB, Washington DC — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:22:54 GMT

The bad guys on the GI Joe cartoon used to fly these, only they had (plastic?) bubbles around the pilot. Man, did I love GI Joe.

A ride on one of these is worth $100K if it means I get to cruise directly past Beltway traffic jams on the way to work.

Is this your jetpack?

Riley Forman Fraser Canyon British Columbia — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:24:32 GMT

wow ... where can i see videos of this

Is this your jetpack?

Michael Kent Oh — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:09:55 GMT

The jet pack is here,and its certainly something that someone could buy. 100k is the price of a nice fast car. That being said,like the fast car,its an expensive toy. The fact is,such a thing will always be an expensive toy. Its just not practical to have a tens of thousands of these things zipping around over LA or San Diego or New York City. Think of it like rock climbing. People may go rock climbing for fun and accept the risk,in fact thats part of the fun. If 5 million people had to do scale a cliff to get to work everyday,think of the casualties. With aircraft,it gets worse,becuase those things are going to come down on top of someone.
Think of how safe the roads would be if there were only buses,every bus was held to similar standards to that of a jetliner and every bus driver had the level of training a pilot had. Similarly,if you take air travel which is very safe (most of the accidents are small private planes in fact) and add millions of very small aircraft piloted by relatively unskilled people.(less training than current non-commercial pilots) The death rate would be unacceptable,both to the pilots and passengers as well as the bystanders on the ground. (not to mention runway accidents and mid air collisions) Imagine every traffic accident,even the small ones,resulting in one or more fatality. That's what we are talking about.

Is this your jetpack?

Michael Kent Oh — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:18:36 GMT

All of these flying vehicle designs have a serious flaw. Consider the X-Hawk. Their website actually suggests that the lack of a rotor (as opposed to a helicopter) is a safety feature. In fact its just the opposite. If a helicopter has a engine failure,it will auto rotate. Think Black Hawk Down. You lose an engine and your in for a rapid decent and a very hard landing,with severe injuries like broken bones and collapsed discs in your spine. Very painful and debilitating.
In a jet pack or flying car design without the engine,you fly like a brick. You hit the ground in a fiery wreck and they will identify the pieces of your charred corpse from dental records or DNA (perhaps after sorting them out of the pieces of the occupants of the minivan you landed on)

Is this your jetpack?

Chris, South Island, New Zealand — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:01:11 GMT

What on Io is a "gallon" ?? I think I read about that in an 18th century textbook, local scholars couldn't agree if it was meant as a unit of measurement or as a joke...

Seriously though, yeah, wow @ 30 minutes... If it can hold itself off the ground for 30 seconds without straining it, you know it can travel quite some distance in 30 minutes!

It is cool to see more and more of these things coming to light now... If we build enough in our sheds, someone will eventually figure out how to mass produce them - like the automobile.

Is this your jetpack?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:18:33 GMT

weird...try biofuel

Is this your jetpack?

CZECHSIX, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:26:59 GMT

As a pilot and engineer, I took great interest in Martin's jetpack and watched its public unveiling at Oshkosh this past summer. I looked it over carefully and asked a lot of questions. My conclusions are that it is undoubtedly a really cool machine, and also very dangerous. It is powered by a single, two-stroke engine which is custom-designed by Martin for the jetpack. Those of you who have any experience with two-strokes know that they are not the most reliable powerplants, even with dual ignition such as this one has. What's more, this engine has no service history like certified Lycoming aircraft engines, or a car engine, to work the bugs out of it and give it a proven track record. So engine failures with this machine are not a question of if, but when. Yes it has a parachute but the marketing guy told me it would only work above 600' or maybe lower if you have sufficient forward airspeed. So there's a 'dead-man zone' up to several hundred feet above ground where any engine failure will result in death or serious injury. This thing is NOT a helicopter...a helicopter can autorotate which is similar to an airplane gliding when the engine quits. The jetpack is a powered lift device where the ducted fans are driven from the engine with belts. If the engine quits, the fans won't continue spinning fast enough to make sufficient lift for a safe landing....you just fall out of the sky. Speaking of drive belts, they are another failure point, only they are worse than an outright engine failure because when one set of belts breaks, the other fan keeps going and then you get severe assymetric thrust which would spin the jetpack out of control so fast you probably wouldn't be able to activate the ballistic chute even if you were high enough. There is more than one belt per fan for redundancy but I've seen ultralights with FOUR 'redundant' belts between the engine and prop, but when one belt failed, it got tangled in the other belts and caused them all to fail subsequently, so I'm not too confident in this design feature. Finally, the jetpack has no protection for the occupant in the forward direction so any crash with forward motion will result in the 250 lb jetpack coming down on top of the pilot, complete with hot engine, spinning parts and gasoline. Bottom line is this is a cool toy that will probably be sold in small numbers and doubtlessly make it into a movie or two, but nobody who values their life will do any more than hover around their backyard and annoy the neighbors.

Is this your jetpack?

Jason, Sauk Centre, Minnesota — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:16:32 GMT

If this ever gets mass produced, I don't see the materials costing any more than $10,000,would probably be a lot less, actually. But inventors have to try to milk some cash out of their inventions initially, anyway...it's not worth the time and effort put into it otherwise, especially if it never gets big.

Is this your jetpack?

ray belanger,las vegas,nv. — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:32:29 GMT

No way, It would NOT feel anything like it looks like it would. Do you know what a motorcyle feels like? well a motorcycle is STABLE aside of this thing. most of us would not want you showing off over our head, and even if you could do it we don't want you landing on our rooftops, and their would be NO way to keep you from trying. NO! now go play with your sister.

Is this your jetpack?

Marty McFly, Hill Valley, CA — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:24:28 GMT

What happens when it hits 88 MPH?

Is this your jetpack?

Michael M, Kent oh — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:31:18 GMT

All of the comments talking about "more toys powered by gasoline" or suggesting that adding a 500lb tank of hydrogen would be a great feature just don't understand the problem. Using gasoline in ultralight aircraft is not a problem,has not been a problem and never will be a problem. The problem is that people drive light trucks to work and back everyday,with only a single passenger because they think it makes them look wealthy or "cool".
The real problem is the sense of entitlement. The idea of "I deserve" to drive a vehicle that gets 10mpg because I can pay for the gas. The idea that because you can pay 5 dollars a gallon and drive your Cadillac Escalade its ok,even when the money goes to finance middle eastern terrorists,even when trucking companies are going bankrupt because they are being killed by fuel costs,and even though there are brown clouds of smog over big cities like Los Angeles. Wheres the conservative "personal responsibility" values when it means something. It seems ironic that the same people who say that the laid off trucker does not deserve a "handout" and should take "personal responsibility" for his situation,wont take personal responsibility for putting him there by driving his company out of business.
The real solution is to take only what you need. Waste not,want not needs to be the rule of the day. If everyone drove small fuel efficient cars unless they needed to carry 7 passengers it would do more than any number of hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles we could hope to get on the road in the next 20 years.(Not to say that hybrids or alternative fuels are bad,they are in fact great,but they don't begin to make up for the gas gluttons)

Is this your jetpack?

crazy — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:56:49 GMT

cool,High-tech, but looks dangerous.