Martin Jetpack

In 2013, pro golfer Bubba Watson, along with Oakley and Neoteric Hovercraft, designed a Golf Cart Hovercraft that glides across greens, bunkers and water traps. Now with the help of Martin Aircraft, the team has taken to the skies with the Golf Cart Jetpack.

Fires in high-rise buildings can be very problematic. It can be difficult to move around the building, to quickly get equipment to where it needs to be and even to communicate with people inside. Dubai, a place with lots of towers, plans to tackle this by giving Jetpacks to its firefighters.

The goal of using the Martin Jetpack for emergency response services is closer to reality with the Martin Aircraft Company announcing a partnership with US company Avwatch to develop air-based, first responder solutions for the US Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense.

The Martin Jetpack has undergone a major design overhaul. Reemerging as the P12 prototype, the ducted-fan personal VTOL is fully certified for manned test flights as a Class 1 microlight. Sales of a first responder Jetpack are expected in 2014.

The New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company is seeking investors to help get its Jetpack to market.

New Zealand adventure travel specialist Total Experience has teamed up with Martin Aircraft to offer a Jetpack "test pilot" program.

It's been a long time coming. While Arthur C. Clarke's satellites have taken to space, and James Bond's futuristic mobile technology has become common place, still the dream of sustained personal flight has eluded us. But the future is here!