The Martin Jetpack

As a child, Glenn Martin dreamt of flying. Later, studying biochemistry at the University of Otago, Glenn and his friends fantasised about flying home to their flat after long nights at the local hotel. While his flatmates let the thought pass, Glenn began a lifetime’s work researching the potential for personal aviation devices.

In 1998, after years of refining and redesigning his secret invention, Glenn founded a company with the specific goal of researching and developing a jetpack that could fly 100 times longer than the
Bell Rocket Belt (26 seconds). Glenn and his team of innovative engineers achieved that goal in 2005 with “Prototype 9”, laying the foundations for a viable pre-production prototype to be developed. The Martin Jetpack was unveiled in July 2008 at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States, and the Martin Jetpack became international front-page news.

Earlier this year, the Martin Aircraft Company signed a $12-million joint-venture deal with an international aircraft company, to build Martin Jetpacks with the aim of making 500 units generating annual turnover of $100 million within three years. The jetpacks will be sold to emergency response organisations, such as police and military, providing a quick way of getting aid and relief into disaster-hit areas. You’ll be able to order one later this year at a cost of around US$100,000.

Join Glenn at this free event to learn more about his fascinating story.

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