Kiwi firm to make personal jet packs

Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb.25 (ANI): A company in New Zealand is to begin production of a commercial jet pack.

According to The Telegraph, Christchurch-based Martin Aircraft Company aims to make 500 packs a year and sell them for around 50,000 pounds.

The 200 horsepower dual-propeller packs are the brainchild of inventor Glenn Martin who unveiled his machine for the first time in July last year.

Because it weighs less than 254 pounds (115kg) the jet pack does not require a pilot's licence. It is capable of travelling 30 miles in 30 minutes on a full tank of fuel.

And recent tests have seen the newest model reach heights of up to 2,400 metres and top speeds of 60mph.

Martin Aircraft Company CEO Richard Lauder said the pack could be perfect for the emergency services, private users and even the military.

Lauder, however, did not identify the partner other than to say it was an international aircraft company. (ANI)