| Martin Jetpack | |
|---|---|
| The Martin Jetpack flying at AirVenture 2008. | |
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | New Zealand |
| Manufacturer | Martin Aircraft Co. |
| Designer | Glenn Martin |
| Introduction | 2008 |
| Status | Prototype |
| Unit cost | USD $100,000[1] |
The Martin Jetpack is an experimental aircraft. Though the tradename uses the phrase "jet pack", it uses ducted fans for lift. It was developed by the Martin Aircraft Company of New Zealand, and was unveiled on July 29, 2008 at the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2008 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. It is classified by the Federal Aviation Administration as an experimental ultralight airplane.
Unlike earlier devices called "jetpacks", the Martin Jetpack is the first to be considered a practical device. It has been under development for over 27 years and uses a gasoline (premium) engine with two ducted fans to provide lift. Theoretically it can reach a speed of 60 miles per hour, an altitude of 8,000 feet, and fly for about 30 minutes on a full fuel tank. The consumer price is expected to be US$100,000[1]. Martin Aircraft planned to deliver the first jetpacks to ten customers in early 2010.[2][3]
On 29 May 2011, it was reported[4][5] that the Martin Jetpack had successfully completed a remotely-controlled unmanned test flight to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level, and carried out a successful test of its ballistic parachute.
Contents |
The Jetpack is a small VTOL device, with two ducted fans that provide lift. It is powered by a 2.0 litre V4 piston 200-horsepower gasoline (premium) engine.[6] The pilot straps onto it and does not sit. The device is too large to be worn while walking, so it cannot be classed as a backpack device. It does not have a jet turbine or rocket motor; the "Jet" in "Jetpack" refers to the production of two jets of air from its ducted fans. The Martin Jetpack meets the Federal Aviation Administration's classification of an ultralight aircraft. It uses the same gasoline used in cars, is relatively easy to fly, and is cheaper to maintain and operate than other ultralight aircraft. Most helicopters require a tail rotor to counteract the rotor torque; this and the articulated head complicate flying, construction and maintenance enormously. The Jetpack is designed to be torque neutral – there is no tail rotor, no collective, no articulating or foot pedals – and this simplifies flying dramatically. Pitch and roll are controlled by one hand, yaw and the throttle by the other.[2]
In order to enhance safety, the finished product will feature a ballistic parachute and a fly-by-wire system whereby the pilot sends instructions to a computer which then interprets them and flies the craft smoothly. It can also be programmed to only fly a few meters above the ground and/or fly within certain limits.
Data from Company brouchure[7]
General characteristics
Performance