Personal Flying Machine Will Sport Emergency 'Chute

Whole-aircraft emergency parachute system manufacturer Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc. announced this week it has entered into an agreement with Martin Aircraft Company to provide the BRS-patented emergency parachute recovery system for all production model Martin Jetpacks.

Unveiled at EAA Oshkosh 2008 on July 29 (albeit to mixed crowd reaction -- Ed.) the Martin Jetpack will provide unprecedented personal flying freedom to the general public through, in the words of its creator, "the world's first practical jetpack."

Production versions of the Jetpack will be equipped with a Ballistic Parachute System from Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc. This system enables the Jetpack pilot to be saved during a catastrophic failure, even when flying at a reasonably low altitude. BRS says its ballistic parachutes will open and function properly at relatively low altitudes, particularly if the aircraft has some forward speed.

Despite its high-flying name, the Martin Jetpack isn't a jet pack at all -- it's closer in concept to a wearable Moller Aircar, with a small two-stroke engine providing power to twin ducted fans, one mounted on either side of the wearer's body. To date, the company has accomplished a number of ground-hovering, tethered flights.

BRS will work with Martin Aircraft Company to develop a reliable, yet unobtrusive, safety system for the unique platform.

"The versatility and proven successful design of our over 29,000 fielded systems to date easily convinced Martin Aircraft that we were the ones they wanted when safety was required for this innovative aircraft," said BRS CEO and President, Larry Williams.

The Martin Jetpack, listed at $100,000 each, is expected to sell between 10-20 units/year once production begins in 2009.

FMI: www.martinjetpack.com