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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Transportation / Tech / Nerd Now Wealthy Nerds Will Be Even More Annoying

Posted by Grant Brissey on Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:25 PM

First the Segway, and now these dudes finally invented a jetpack that actually works, and it costs $90,000.

"Hey guys, just dropping in to say 'hi'!"

Martin’s jetpack is classed as an ultralight aircraft, so you don’t need a pilot’s license fly it. Martin will force buyers to undergo training first, though. As its FAQ so rightly points out: “to attempt to fly any aircraft without professional instruction is extremely foolhardy.” There are some safety features, though. If the engine dies, a parachute pops out like an airbag in a car, so the only thing you need worry about is crashing into passing planes.

Comments (26) RSS

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How long before Richard Branson embarrasses himself in one?

Posted by keshmeshi on March 9, 2010 at 2:32 PM

Boy, I never considered the dork factor in owning a jet pack until I saw this photo. I expect to see Gob Bluth sporting one of these if they ever make an Arrested Development movie.

Posted by Free Lunch on March 9, 2010 at 2:37 PM

Finally, it's 2010 already. Now I want my flying car and recreational space travel.

Posted by The Amazing Jim

on March 9, 2010 at 2:48 PM

Is it just me, or does their company logo look a little Third Reich-ish?

Posted by Urgutha Forka on March 9, 2010 at 2:49 PM

I'm-a buy a lottery ticket.

Posted by merry on March 9, 2010 at 2:49 PM

Safer than a Toyota? Five gallons of gas per half hour sounds very attractive. I can see these flying over the freeway. If they had carbon filament retractable wings with lift they could become very common.

Posted by Bon Bon on March 9, 2010 at 2:55 PM

@4 Kinda like this?: http://schema-root.org/commerce/corporat… ?

Posted by Jk on March 9, 2010 at 2:59 PM

Is We Were Promised Jetpacks going to have to change their name now?

Posted by Callie

on March 9, 2010 at 3:07 PM

@2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._F

George Michael beat him to it.

Posted by Jessica on March 9, 2010 at 3:12 PM

If someone buys one they deserve everything they have coming to them.. I mean EVERYTHING!!

Posted by Cato the Younger Younger on March 9, 2010 at 3:18 PM

I'm waiting for a smaller, quieter, cheaper one. But I've been waiting an awfully long time for that.

Posted by Geni on March 9, 2010 at 3:24 PM

Now all Seattle needs is a Monorail!

Posted by Will in Seattle

on March 9, 2010 at 3:30 PM

that is not a jet-pack. that is a fucking jet-engine-strapped-to-your-back.

Posted by tenspeed on March 9, 2010 at 3:37 PM

@13 - you say that like it's a bad thing ...

Posted by Will in Seattle

on March 9, 2010 at 4:02 PM

It is about fucking time.

Posted by wisepunk on March 9, 2010 at 4:03 PM

Doesn't a jet pack you can't walk in kind of defeat the purpose? That thing doesn't look like you could walk around in it.

Posted by balderdash

on March 9, 2010 at 4:08 PM

No surf jams and Chacos with this baby. Looks like Nomex is the order of the day.

Posted by rob!

on March 9, 2010 at 4:28 PM

Fuck all y'all, this jet pack is the shit.

Posted by seandr on March 9, 2010 at 4:38 PM

its a start.

Posted by Max Solomon on March 9, 2010 at 5:11 PM

I hope mine doesn't give out when I'm over the new Chihulhy Museum Skate Park next to EMP ... that would hurt.

Posted by Will in Seattle

on March 9, 2010 at 5:11 PM

All I can think of when I look at that thing is a room full of computer and a brick phone.

Posted by breadandcirce on March 9, 2010 at 5:49 PM

Looks like one way to "Rise above it all."

Posted by Spicy McHaggis on March 9, 2010 at 7:55 PM

Did anyone actually watch that "jet pack" demo video? It's pretty freaking lame. I'm not totally convinced the guy wasn't just dangling from wires, inside that warehouse...

Posted by Peter F on March 9, 2010 at 8:37 PM

Fucking A

Posted by i'm pro-science and i vote

on March 9, 2010 at 8:51 PM

Worry about crashing in to planes?!? Oh, no, the planes are the ones who need to worry. SHARE TEH SKY, man. Share the sky.

Jet packs have just as much right to be there as 60,000 ton gas guzzlers.

Posted by elenchos on March 9, 2010 at 9:58 PM

These suckers got a weight limit? 'Cause I can so see Rush Limbaugh, uh, rushing out to buy one.

Unrelated, how long until the first jetpack accident linked to texting while flying?

Posted by Lymis on March 10, 2010 at 6:00 AM