Martin

KuangChi Martin Jetpack, a joint venture of Martin Aircraft company, based in Hong Kong has signed three contracts to deliver 100 of its manned jetpacks and 20 simulators in China.

The deal depends on procurement contracts to be signed by June next year. After this, the final purchase price and other details of the deal will be announced.

The jetpack developed by Martin Jetpack can fly for 30 minutes at a speed of 74km per hour and can be controlled by a pilot or through remote control.

The jetpack can take off and land vertically (VTOL) and operate in limited spaces, including near or between buildings, near trees or in trapped areas.

It can be used in several applications such as search and rescue, military, recreational and commercial use.

China aims to use the jetpacks for the country’s Ironman Club concept.

"The jetpack developed by Martin Jetpack can fly for 30 minutes at a speed of 74km per hour and can be controlled by a pilot or through remote control."

The company said that China has become one of the fast growing markets for aviation. Recent developments in the civil aviation sector has opened up new areas for various civilian operations.

Martin Aircraft stated the company conducted new formal flight testing and an evaluation programme of P12 jetpacks over the last six months.

In November, Martin Aircraft entered an agreement with the Directorate of Civil Defence, Dubai for delivering manned and unmanned jetpacks, simulators, spares parts and support services in the future.

The deal also includes pilot and engineer training for Civil Defence and Fire Service staff.

Martin Aircraft CEO Peter Coker said: "Martin Aircraft has focused on the first responder markets for introduction of its innovative aircraft, the Martin jetpack, which provides to organisations such as the Dubai Civil Defence a significant operational advantage being able to carry commercial payloads of up to 120kg, unlike Quadcopters which are limited to only a few kilograms."

Image: A jetpack in action. Photo: courtesy of Martin Jetpack.