The Martin Jetpack was initially developed in 1981 in response to another jetpack that had a one-minute flight-time limit; the current version can travel at speeds up to 46 mph (74 km/h) and a flight duration of over 30 minutes. The Jetpack also can be used as a first responder vehicle and as an unmanned aerial vehicle.
The jetpack is featured in-depth in the upcoming issue of Homeland Security Today.
The signing of the agreement builds on the strategic relationship developed between Avwatch and Martin Aircraft during the previous 12 months under an existing Letter of Intent between the parties. The MOU paves the way for a future delivery of a Martin Aircraft package with three manned Jetpacks, three unmanned Jetpacks and a simulator.
Avwatch Chief Executive Officer Chris Kluckhuhn said he anticipates this innovative airborne technology will be used by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and other federal, state and local agencies.
The two companies will work together on improving and demonstrating specific capabilities targeted at assisting the first responder sector, including search and rescue, security, law enforcement, ambulance, fire and natural disaster recovery through the purchase and supply of Martin Jetpacks and relevant products and services.
Within the next six months Avwatch will introduce and market the Martin Jetpack to the North American market. The Martin Jetpack can be flown by a pilot or via remote control, for homeland security or first responder applications. Named as one of Time magazine’s Top 50 inventions for 2010, Avwatch said the Martin Jetpack is the world’s first practical jetpack.
“The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with substantial capabilities, which will be very complimentary to the solutions we offer our customers,” Kluckhuhn said.
Commenting on the strategic co-operation framework agreement, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Martin Aircraft Peter Coker said, “The North American Market presents excellent opportunities for the Martin Jetpack, and working in collaboration with an industry leader such as Avwatch to demonstrate the tactical capabilities of our disruptive technology will be a powerful enabler on our path to commercialization.”
