Practical Applications of a Personal Jetpack in Modern Society

Apr 27, 2011
John Phillips

The Martin Jetpack - Source: Glen Martin

Presentation of the practical applications of a personal jetpack in society. We will review The Jetlev-Flyer and the Martin Jetpack.

Inquiry

Personal flight is the dream driving jetpack technology forward. Society could be drawing very near to achieving this goal. When achieved, what will be the applications for such a device? How will society decide to use it? This paper will discover a jetpack’s applications in modern society by assessing the personal jetpacks that have been developed and those that have yet to be exposed to society.

The Jetlev-Flyer

A remarkable jetpack labeled The Jetlev-Flyer is propelled by the force of pressurized water. One advantage of the device is the two-hour flight time capability. One downfall of the jetpack is that it is only applicable over a body of water. This constraint drastically reduces the usability.

On superyachts.com, author P. Joseph in 2011 explains, “the groundbreaking new toy … is expected to attract Superyacht owners, yacht charter companies and water front resorts.”

The Jetlev-Flyer appears to be a useful item for companies that are based around water. On themonitor.com, author A. Comer in 2011 states, “JetLev is aiming its product at resorts, rental agencies and tour groups.”

The water powered jetpack could be an exciting water sports machine. Although the Jetlev-Flyer’s practical applications are not yet fully understood, the innovative device shows great potential. On the website Jetlev.com an unknown author admires the newest model Jetlev-Flyer: “The Jetlev R200 will forever change our pre-conceived notions about personal flight!” Whether or not this statement is false has yet to be seen.

The Martin Jetpack

The Martin Jetpack uses duct fans to cause thrust. The military has an interest in the Martin Jetpack. According to an Armed Forces International Technology Analyst, found on armedforces-int.com in 2010, “Several US defence/aerospace organizations have expressed interest in the design. These include Rockwell Collins, Raytheon and Boeing.”

While these areas are inventor Glenn Martin’s main focus, there are also other markets he is considering. Appendix A from Taking Off: Official Newsletter for the Martin Jetpack written by Glen Martin in February 2011 demonstrates the expressions of interest in the Martin Jetpack from different sections of society. There is a variety of markets showing interest in the jetpack. The government / search and rescue being the largest investor thusfar gives way to the idea that the government is already studying the applications of the Martin Jetpack.

Martin wrote: "We have announced a joint venture with a large overseas, state-owned enterprise to produce 500 per year for Search and Rescue (SAR). We have also been approached for Anti-Terrorism, Border Patrol, Medical Response and a host of other uses from other countries."

The Martin Jetpack has applications in modern society. Even though the jetpack has not been officially released to the comercial market, there are already many people who believe the Martin Jetpack can in some way improve their operation. Inevitably interest in the Martin Jetpack will increase for other sectors of society if the product is released to the commercial market. It is clear that the full potential of the Martin Jetpack has yet to be understood.

The table found in appendix B, also from Taking Off: Official Newsletter of The Martin Jetpack by Glen Martin, clearly defines the multiple applications for the Martin Jetpack. In the Table, UAV stands for unmanned aerial vehihicle. This suggests a computerized control system. A jetpack capable of flying itself. The table lists coastguard as a civil defense application for the Martin Jetpack; perhaps this statement could also be valid for the Jetlev-Flyer.

Jetpacks in the Future

It is not a trivial task to label every one of a jetpack’s potential applications in society. In a recent interview Glen Martin, inventor of the Martin Jetpack, was asked what he thought to be the applications of his invention.

He responded, “To answer your question fully would take dozens of pages!"

The ducted-fans design looks to be very promising. There are multiple uses for a jetpack in modern society. In the near future there may be advances in the design of jetpacks that will cause these applications to become more clear. Perhaps before long, the jetpack flight will be the main method of transportation. No one knows what the world of tommorrow will consist of. However, based on the jetpack technologies of today and the overwhelming interest society has shown in the Martin Jetpack, it is possible that one day people will have to decide what to do with their brand new jetpack.