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2010: the year of the jet pack

A New Zealand company is to begin production of a commercial jet pack which will sell for about £50,000.

People will be able fly more than a mile high at speeds of up to 60mph, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Martin Aircraft Company, in Christchurch, aims to make 500 jet packs a year after receiving investment from an undisclosed international aircraft company.

The 200 horsepower dual-propeller packs are the brainchild of inventor Glenn Martin who unveiled his machine last year. It is capable of travelling 30 miles in 30 minutes on a full tank of fuel. Because it weighs less than 115kg, the jet pack does not require a pilot’s licence.

Martin Aircraft Company chief executive Richard Lauder said the pack could be perfect for the emergency services, private users and even the military. He said: “This could be life-saving stuff. For us this is an excellent commercial step.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .