Martin Jetpack Takes Off, Barely

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Science, Transportation

Yesterday, inventor Glenn Martin displayed his jetpack at the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The machine is five feet high, has rotors in two large ducts, a 200-horsepower engine, and rests on 3 legs. It weighs about 250 lbs. and provides 600 lbs. of thrust. Martin has spent 27 years developing his baby and plans to sell them next year for $100,000.00 each if all goes well.

Martin’s wife was the first guinea pig and dubbed it “The Beast.” Fortunately, it also has a parachute for an emergency landing that we figure won’t be needed as the jetpack only flew about 3 feet off the ground. We give the man props for the attempt anyway. Check out the video if you would like to see the launch.

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