The Jetpack is one of those modern inventions that is just so cool.
Time magazine listed this innovation among the 50 Best Inventions of 2010.
New Zealand inventor Glenn Martin has spent the past 30 years developing his personal flying machine - a dual fan, gas fueled, vertical take-off and landing ultralight.
The Martin Jetback is enthusiastically supported by the Research, Science and Technology Ministry of the New Zealand government.
In fact, the country has a rich history in aviation innovation dating back to what some historians claim to be the first invention of the airplane by inventor Richard Pearse.
The Martin Aircraft Company has completed a joint venture to begin production of the Jetpack. A remote controlled, unmanned model (UAV) has also been developed.
It is anticipated that emergency response and rescue organizations, border control agencies, law enforcement agencies and the military will be among the first to order this invention, which should be available by the end of this year.
The Jetpack has a maximum flying altitude of 2,438 metres (8,000 feet), a maximum speed of 100 kmh (60 mph), and a flight time of 30 minutes. Fueled by regular gasoline, the Jetpack comes equipped with a ballistic parachute, redundant systems and an impact absorbing undercarriage.
This invention is classified as an ultralight aircraft, which doesn't require a pilot license in most countries. However, all owners are required to pass a training program before being allowed to fly the aircraft.
Perhaps soon, we'll be watching overhead as commuters fly to work using one of these modern inventions. The price tag is about $100,000.
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Source: martinjetpack.com