When people look back at old science fiction shows, movies and stories they would have a difficult time finding personalized gadgets in use that don't have some basis in the reality of the modern day. Smartphones, cameras and GPS systems were all plucked right out of yesterday's world of tomorrow. However, one huge exception to the list of film and TV gadgets has had to be made over the years, until now.
The New Zealand developers responsible for the making of a personalized jetpack announced on Tuesday they were issued a flying permit for the device by aviation regulators. This will allow for manned test flights of the device.
Martin Aircraft CEO Peter Coker said the certification was a significant milestone in the development of the jetpack, which the company hopes to begin selling next year.
"For us it's a very important step because it moves it out of what I call a dream into something which I believe we're now in a position to commercialize and take forward very quickly," Coker told AFP.
According to Mashable, the jetpack is the invention of Glenn Martin, who began work on the device more than 30 years ago in his garage after seeing television shows like Thunderbirds and Lost in Space. The current jetpack consists of a pair of cylinders with propulsion fans attached to a freestanding carbon fiber frame.
Although the concept is exciting, TIME Magazine likened the design to two enormous leaf blowers welded together. Getting the jetpack to a place that resembles a serious aviation device has been along road.
"Changing the position of the jetpack's ducts has resulted in a quantum leap in performance over the previous prototype, especially in terms of the aircraft's maneuverability," Coker said.
The price of having your own personal jetpack is currently estimated at $150,00 to $250,000. However, Coker says the price is likely to come down over time.
Right now the test flights are subject to safety requirements. It can go no higher than 20 feet above the ground or 25 feet above water. The device comes with a rocket-propelled parachute in the event things ever went wrong at higher altitudes.
