Jetpack: Is the technology to fly in the sky when you’re happy like a superhero finally within the reach of the general public?

“Lee Coates said flying with a jetpack was an” “incredible feeling.” “”

According to Lee Coates, when a jetpack is strapped to your back and you’re flying through the air, you feel like you’re flying like a superhero.

“The feeling is incredible,” said the retired US helicopter pilot. “You really think, you can fly. “

“But it’s very difficult to use. “

The world first learned about the jetpack in 1965, courtesy of the James Bond movie Thunderball.

Sean Connery played the role of James Bond. In the picture, the spy is seen being chased by gunmen, fleeing from the roof of a house, then flying in the sky wearing a jetpack.

With this dramatic scene, the film Thunderball began. The jetpack used was called the Bell Textron. ‘ “The U.S. military developed this technology in the 1950s as a” “man-rocket.” “” But in the end, the US military did not use this technology anymore, because they believed it was too dangerous. ‘

However, it worked well for Secret Agent Zero-Zero-Seven, at least for the stuntman who flew it in place of Sean Connery.

A scene from the movie ‘Thunderball’. James Bond uses his jetpack to get to his Aston Martin.

After 56 years, jetpack technology has improved a lot. It is now being tested in a variety of special applications. For example, to send rescue workers in an emergency, or to the defense force.

A dramatic video of a member of Britain’s Royal Navy experimenting with a jetpack was recently released. It shows a Marine soldier flying on a ship using a jetpack instead of landing on a ship with a rope from a helicopter.

However, there is not much discussion about the jetpack that can also be used for recreational purposes. Analysts have pointed out some problems. Concerns range from safety to environmental issues. When a jetpack is being tied to a person’s back, how his movement will be controlled, what will be the role of air traffic control, etc.

However, two companies, one in the United States and one in the United Kingdom, are now offering anyone the opportunity to try out Jetpack for money. However, after the jetpack, during this test flight, they are being connected to a large frame with wire, so that they do not lose control and fly in any direction.

Jetpacks are going to be popular? Is it possible to solve the problems of this technology?

There is a lot of interest in jetpacks now.

“” “I think the use of this technology will be limited in certain areas before it becomes widely used in entertainment,” “said Benjamin Akih, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Syracuse University in New York.”

“I’m talking about firefighters, medical and rescue workers, or maybe law enforcement…After the jetpack is widely used in these special cases, it will also be used in other areas, such as entertainment or personal travel. “

Daniel Levine works as a trend expert at Avant Guide Institute, a New York-based consulting firm. The company mainly focuses on travel and consumer trends.

Daniel Levine thinks it’s unlikely that jetpacks will be mass produced for recreational use. However, after spending a lot of money, the experience of using a jetpack will gradually become a normal thing.

“” “I think in the next five years, adventure-loving rich people may be able to rent jetpacks in some countries, where insurance companies will not stand in their way,” “” “he said.” “” I’m going to look at Dubai. “

“When this technology is ready for use by the average person, this technology of flying in the sky will take a place, initially as a vehicle for adventure travel. “

Abby King runs a website called ‘Inside Travel Lab’. He also agrees that jetpacks will become popular among thrill-seekers.

“I’m always interested in new things. Once you’ve experienced skydive (jumping from the sky with a parachute) and bungee jump (jumping from high places with a rope tied to your leg), what’s new? Not everyone thinks like this, but those who are constantly chasing exciting challenges, they think like this. “

Among the companies that have developed a good position in jetpack technology is California’s Jetpack Aviation. It was established in the year 2015. The company has already produced several jetpacks in its’ JB ‘series.

Jetpack Aviation is mainly focusing on the use of this technology in the military and emergency services sector. At the same time, they are also considering the entertainment industry. Their JB-10 jetpack has been approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Its twin-turbojet engine runs on fuel such as kerosene or diesel. These jetpacks are now rented out to people for training.

“David Mayman, founder and CEO of Jetpack Aviation, said:” “The demand for our two-day Jetpack training is very encouraging.” 

David Mayman (right) says it’s no longer difficult to fly with a jetpack

“More people are showing interest than the number of people we can take for training, you can say there is a craze. “

Mr Mayman describes his company’s jetpack as an aerial Segway. According to him, it is easy to operate. Whoever drives this jetpack, his speed will be controlled by the right hand, and the left hand will control the change of direction. The jetpack’s fuel status, engine, and battery status can be found on a computer screen.

“” “An average-sized, average-health person would have no problem running it,” “says Mr Mayman.” “We are saying this based on the number of people we have trained so far. You don’t have to be a pilot or pilot. Honestly, it takes longer for them to master things, because they have to forget many things they have learned before. “

The military and other emergency services are now experimenting with jetpacks

Jetpack Aviation has trained about 80 people so far. Mr Mayman said he had been contacted by people from countries such as Japan and Australia to set up similar training programmes there.

But it’s still not that cheap, costing $4,950 for two days of training.

“It’s an expensive thing to do because the technology we’re using is so expensive,” Mr Mayman said. But I think the cost will come down in the future because the technology will improve. “

In the UK, a rival company, Gravity Industries, is offering people the chance to test their jetpacks. But here also the jetpack is connected with a wire to keep the user safe.

Gravity is also supplying the UK’s Royal Navy with jetpacks made by them to be tested.

Both Jetpack Aviation and Gravity Aviation said they would host the Jetpack competition. However, for the sake of safety, this competition will be held on water.

Gravity Industries and Jetpack Aviation are hosting the competition

Gravity originally wanted to launch their first jetpack competition in Bermuda in March 2020. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, they had to postpone it.

Gravity’s founder, Richard Browning, is a former oil tycoon and Royal Marines reservist. He says the competition they are planning will probably also train people to fly jetpacks so they can compete in various events.