The world's first practical jetpack developed by a New Zealand inventor is one of Time magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2010.Glenn Martin spent 30 years working on the Martin Jetpack, which is now in the final stages of research and development.NBR VIDEO:
The world’s first practical jetpack developed by a New Zealand inventor is one of Time magazine’s 50 Best Inventions of 2010.
Glenn Martin spent 30 years working on the Martin Jetpack, which is now in the final stages of research and development.
NBR VIDEO: The Jetpack at Morgo
The jetpack consists of a purpose-built gasoline engine driving twin ducted fans that produce sufficient thrust to lift the aircraft and a pilot in vertical takeoff and landing, enabling sustained flight.
The Martin Aircraft Company, which worked on the project, was founded in 1998 specifically to develop a jetpack that could fly 100 times longer than the 26 seconds of the Bell Rocket Belt, built in the early 1960s.
Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp said the jetpack Mr Martin’s work puts New Zealand innovation in the international spotlight.
“Glenn’s breakthrough approach to the use of ultra-high efficient fans and vector control means that he has solved a problem that has beaten everyone else, said Dr Mapp.
“The Government is committed to supporting New Zealand innovation, which is the key to lifting our economic growth. Expanding our economic base by developing high quality, high-tech products for export will be a key part of that future.
The Martin Jetpack is the first invention listed on the cover of the magazine’s 22 November issue and is described as the “most anticipated” invention of the year.
