Demand for NZ jetpack takes off

The Press

GONNA BE HIGH! Glenn Martin's flying machine, powered by a 200-horsepower piston engine, is in demand internationally.

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People are lining up to get their hands on a Kiwi-built "jetpack" that could revolutionise the world of aviation.

While the identities of the buyers are being kept secret, the jetpack's inventor confirmed it had sparked global interest from military, border patrol and search and rescue groups.

The Martin Jetpack caused a sensation when it was unveiled at a United States airshow last year.

Inventor Glenn Martin said interest had appeared from all over the world, with some individuals and organisations getting out their wallets.

"I always expected there would be people buying them for fun, but there is also a lot of commercial interest, from companies and organisations who can see they would be a useful thing to use for border patrol, or search and rescue."

Mr Martin said Christchurch-based Martin Aircraft Company was test-flying the jetpack three times a week.

It consists of two rotors, powered by a 200-horsepower piston engine.

Kiwis will soon get a chance to check out the jetpack, with a public demonstration planned.

"What, when and how we don't know. Commercially it's probably not the right thing to do, but we need to satisfy the demand that's out there."

A $10,000 deposit will secure an order for one of the $100,000 jetpacks.

Mr Martin would not say how many had been sold, but said people would be coming to New Zealand this year for flight training.

The inventor, who spent 27 years designing the jetpack, stressed the need for determination to students from South Miramar School in Wellington at the launch of Fonterra's Science Roadshow yesterday.

- © Fairfax NZ News