Sci-Tech: Videos – JetPack Aviation demos new JB-9 in NYC + Two Jetmen fly with A380 + Martin Jetpack update

JetPack Aviation is developing a dual jet turbine powered backpack that will keep a person aloft for up to 10 minutes (vs 30 seconds or so from traditional H2O2 powered rocket packs). Here is a recent demo of their latest model: The World’s Only Jetpack Soars Past the Statue of Liberty New York – JPA – Nov.4.2015

We’ve been test flying JB-9 for several years with awesome results. It is inherently stable but also capable of very dynamic maneuvers thanks to our approach to engine vectoring. Early testing of our next version, JB-10, indicates that it will achieve flights of over 10,000 feet altitude (not that many pilots will be needing to fly that high!), at speeds greater than 100 mph and with an endurance of 10 minutes + (depending on pilot weight).

All with a device you can put in the back seat of a car!

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Meanwhile, two Jetmen (Yves Rossy and Vince Reffet) in a completely different sort of back pack jet powered system jumped from a helicopter and flew in formation with an Airbus 380 over Dubai:

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Martin Aircraft‘s JetPack (which actually uses ducted fans instead of jets and is more of a platform than a back pack) continues to move towards commercial sales in second half of 2016. The company’s vehicles have been earning New Zealand permits for manned flight.

Glenn Martin, who was the founder and primary force behind the company’s technology, resigned in June primarily due to the fact that the new corporate management had decided to focus on the emergency services market rather than on personal flight: Jetpack firm founder Glenn Martin resigns suddenly – Stuff.co.nz

Here are videos of recent unmanned test flights:

This link goes to an interview with the current head of the company: Edison Investment Research Interview with Martin Jetpack – 13 October 2015 –

In this video interview, CEO and Managing Director Peter Coker discusses the technical aspects and potential applications for the Martin Jetpack, capitalising on its flexibility in demanding operational environments. He also outlines the ability to continue to fund the programme to full commercialisation. First commercial delivery is expected in the second half of 2016, with emergency first responders the initial target market. The move from a research-led, non-revenue company to a fully industrialised manufacturer provides an interesting proposition as future technical milestones are achieved, with technical risk mitigation a current priority.