- Martin Jetpack
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Martin Jetpack 
The Martin Jetpack flying at AirVenture 2008. Role Ultralight aircraft National origin New Zealand Manufacturer Martin Aircraft Co. Designer Glenn Martin Introduction 2008 Status Prototype Unit cost USD $100,000[1] The Martin Jetpack is an experimental aircraft. Though the tradename uses the phrase "jet pack", it uses ducted fans for lift. It was developed by the Martin Aircraft Company of New Zealand, and was unveiled on July 29, 2008 at the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2008 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. It is classified by the Federal Aviation Administration as an experimental ultralight airplane.
Unlike earlier devices called "jetpacks", the Martin Jetpack is the first to be considered a practical device.[citation needed] It has been under development for over 27 years and uses a gasoline (premium) engine with two ducted fans to provide lift. Theoretically it can reach a speed of 60 miles per hour, an altitude of 8,000 feet, and fly for about 30 minutes on a full fuel tank. The consumer price is expected to be US$100,000[1]. Martin Aircraft planned to deliver the first jetpacks to ten customers in early 2010.[2][3]
On 29 May 2011, it was reported[4][5] that the Martin Jetpack had successfully completed a remotely-controlled unmanned test flight to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level, and carried out a successful test of its ballistic parachute.
Contents
Description
The Jetpack is a small VTOL device, with two ducted fans that provide lift. It is powered by a 2.0 litre V4 piston 200-horsepower gasoline (premium) engine.[6] The pilot straps onto it and does not sit. The device is too large to be worn while walking, so it cannot be classed as a backpack device. It does not have a jet turbine or rocket motor; the "Jet" in "Jetpack" refers to the production of two jets of air from its ducted fans. The Martin Jetpack meets the Federal Aviation Administration's classification of an ultralight aircraft. It uses the same gasoline used in cars, is relatively easy to fly, and is cheaper to maintain and operate than other ultralight aircraft. Most helicopters require a tail rotor to counteract the rotor torque; this and the articulated head complicate flying, construction and maintenance enormously. The Jetpack is designed to be torque neutral – there is no tail rotor, no collective, no articulating or foot pedals – and this simplifies flying dramatically. Pitch and roll are controlled by one hand, yaw and the throttle by the other.[2]
Safety features
In order to enhance safety, the finished product will feature a ballistic parachute and a fly-by-wire system whereby the pilot sends instructions to a computer which then interprets them and flies the craft smoothly. It can also be programmed to only fly a few meters above the ground and/or fly within certain limits.
Specifications
Data from Company brouchure[citation needed][7]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 5 ft ()
- Wingspan: 5 ft 6 in ()
- Height: 5 ft ()
- Empty weight: 250 lb (114 kg)
- Loaded weight: 535 lb (243 kg)
- Useful load: more than 280 lb (127 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Martin Aircraft Company 2-litre (120 cu in) two-stroke V-4 engine, 200 hp (150 kw)
- Propellers: Carbon / Kevlar composite propeller, 2 per engine
- Propeller diameter: 1.7 ft ()
- Fuel capacity: 5 US gallons
Performance
- Maximum speed: 63 mph
- Range: 31.5 miles (50.7 km) at max speed of 63 mph
- Service ceiling: 8,000 ft (2.44 km) estimated hover out of ground effect
See also
References
- ^ a b "FAQs The Martin Jetpack". http://www.martinjetpack.com/faqs.aspx. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
- ^ a b Murph, Darren (29 July 2008). "Martin Jetpack officially unveiled, lifts off on video". Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/29/martin-jetpack-officially-unveiled-lifts-off-on-video/. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
- ^ Hilkevitch, Jon (29 July 2008). "Jet pack makes maiden flight at Oshkosh air show". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-jetpack-web-jul30,0,574987.story. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
- ^ "Kiwi invented Jetpack reaches new heights". TVNZ. 29 May 2011. http://tvnz.co.nz//national-news/kiwi-invented-jetpack-reaches-new-heights-4197115/video?ref=facebook. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ "Martin Jetpack 5000ft flight - highlights". NZHerald. 30 May 2011. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/video.cfm?c_id=5&gal_cid=5&gallery_id=119062. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
- ^ Boyle, Alan (29 July 2008). "Is this your jetpack?". MSNBC. http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/29/1230228.aspx. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
- ^ Technical Information
External links
Categories:- Aircraft manufactured by New Zealand
- Ducted fan-powered aircraft
- Experimental aircraft 2000–2009
- New Zealand ultralight aircraft 2000–2009
- VTOL aircraft
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