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image courtesy of Leigh Coates According to Leigh Coates, speeding through the air while wearing a jetpack gives the impression of being able to soar like a superhero. “It’s a fantastic experience,” says the former chopper pilot from the United States. “You have the sensation of being able to fly.” “However, they are really tough to utilize to begin with.” Thanks to the James Bond film Thunderball, jetpacks first entered the public consciousness around the world in 1965. Gunmen pursue the super spy, who is then played by the late Sean Connery, to the roof of a French chateau, where he straps himself into his jetpack and flees. The jetpack in question, a Bell-Textron, was designed as a “man rocket” for the US Army in the 1950s, providing a spectacular introduction to the film. Despite the fact that the US military thought it too risky to employ, it worked for secret agent 007, or at least Connery’s stunt double. image courtesy of Getty Images Now, 56 years later, jetpack technology has progressed significantly, and the equipment is being examined for a range of specialty applications, such as rapid deployment of rescue people in emergency circumstances or for defense forces. In fact, a dramatic video released last month showed a Royal Marine testing out a jetpack to aid in marine boarding operations, removing the need for a rope descent from a helicopter. The possible recreational usage of jetpacks, on the other hand, is rarely mentioned. Observers frequently point to a number of challenges, ranging from safety and environmental concerns – after all, you’re carrying a jet engine – to regulatory impediments and air traffic control issues. Nonetheless, two companies, one in the United States and the other in the United Kingdom, are now enabling members of the public to pay to test out a jetpack, albeit one that is linked to a massive metal frame by wires to keep the person from flying off wildly. Could this become more popular? Will the tethers be removed as well? Reddot Media/Reddot Media/Reddot Media/Reddot “I believe this technology will be used in a limited number of circumstances before finding a wider application in recreation,” says Benjamin Akih, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Syracuse University in New York. “Firefighters, medics and rescue personnel, and maybe law enforcement personnel come to mind… Jetpacks’ widespread use in these specialized applications may encourage their adoption in other sectors, like as recreation and personal travel.” While mass-produced recreational jetpacks are doubtful, tailor-made – and extremely expensive – jetpack “experiences” will become more prevalent, according to Daniel Levine, a trends analyst with the Avant-Guide Institute, a New York City-based consultancy that focuses on travel and consumer trends. Users will not be enslaved. “I believe that in the next five years, wealthy thrill-seekers will be able to hire jet packs in a country where insurance firms will not ruin the fun,” he predicts. He says, “My eye is on Dubai.” “Personal propulsion vehicles will find a place – mostly as thrill rides – once the technology is simple enough for the average Jane.” The New Tech Economy is a series that looks at how technological advancements are shaping the new economic landscape. Jetpack Aviation, a California-based company created in 2015, is one of the companies already well-established in the jetpack market. It has already released several versions of its “JB” line of jetpacks. The firm permits members of the public to be trained to use its FAA-approved JB10, a twin-turbojet engine jetpack that operates on kerosene or diesel, in addition to examining prospects in the military and emergency services sectors. Demand for JetPack Aviation’s two days of training and tethered flights has been “overwhelming,” according to creator and CEO David Mayman. copyright to the image Aviation by JetPack “In terms of the number of people we can accommodate, we’re at capacity. It’s gotten out of hand, “he declares Mr Mayman claims that flying the jetpack, which his company refers to as a “Segway in the sky,” is simple. The pilot’s right rear controls thrust and speed, while the left controls directional movement. Meanwhile, the user can see information such as the gasoline level, engine, exhaust gas temperatures, and battery status on a computer screen. “The average person, of average size and health,” Mr Mayman argues, “will have no concerns.” “That figure is dependent on how many individuals we’ve already trained.” You don’t have to be a trained aviator or a pilot to participate. In fact, having to unlearn a number of stuff can sometimes slow individuals down.” copyright to the image Andreas Langreiter is a writer who lives in Germany. Mr Mayman claims that a number of promoters have approached him about establishing similar experiential operations in countries such as Japan and Australia, and that Jetpack Aviation has now trained roughly 80 individuals. The cost of the two-day course is $4,950 (£3,600), according to the firm. Mr Mayman explains, “It’s a costly exercise for us to run because it’s expensive technology.” [However], I believe it will become more economical over time [as a result of future technology advancements].” In the United Kingdom, a competitor company called Gravity Industries also lets members of the public to try out its jetpack, but only while linked to a safety wire. Both Gravity and JetPack Aviation, which provide the jetpack being tested by the Royal Marines, have announced that racing leagues will be launched. For the sake of safety, these will take place on the water. Gravity Industries is a copyrighted image. Gravity had planned to stage its maiden race in Bermuda in Mach 2020, however because to the pandemic, it had to be postponed. The planned race series, according to the firm’s creator, Richard Browning, a former oil trader and Royal Marine reservist, will most likely involve teaching members of the public to compete in events. “We’re going to let this grow organically,” he says, “but we expect to be teaching a lot of members of the public.” “They are usually wealthy, charismatic men and women. We’d like to meet up at iconic locales like Monaco or the San Francisco Bay Area once they’ve been taught. For them, we’d prepare a jetpack in their corporate colors.” Tom Jackson’s image is used under a Creative Commons license. He went on to say that the race will most likely consist of jetpack-equipped racers swooping around pylons and completing manoeuvres for the duration of the jetpack’s flight time, which is now around five or six minutes. Mr Browning continues, “This would be something that could come up once every couple of months in different, amazing locations throughout the world.” “That was the type of model we were considering. Rather than speculating, we’d like to show it.” Leigh Coates is looking forward to competing in Gravity Industries’ races. Back in 2019, she was the first woman to fly Gravity’s jetpack untethered. She’s also flown with JetPack Aviation, where she was the first woman to utilize their jetpack, while tethered to a safety wire, back in 2018. “Flying jetpacks was a childhood ambition of mine,” says Ms Coates, who lives in Alaska. “So when I heard about these two companies, I jumped at the possibility.” Will Smale contributed additional reporting. Aviation safety is paramount. 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