JOIN USDubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be the first place in the world to use jetpack technology in emergency situations. In the near future, Dubai Civil Defence officers may be zooming in onto the scene of building fires using futuristic personal jetpacks.
Designed by New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company, the jetpacks can be operated by a single pilot for 30 minutes at ranges of between 30 and 50 kilometres at altitudes of up to 3,000 feet. The pilot stands on a platform in a ‘pilot module’ between two propeller engines, which look like large versions of those commonly found on civilian drones.
Dubai Civil Defence recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Martin Aircraft for the intended future delivery of jetpacks and jetpack simulators for training, as well as spare parts.
First delivery of the initial tranche of 20 jetpacks and two simulators is expected in early 2016, making Dubai the first place in the world to incorporate jetpack technology in the emergency response network.
Martin Aircraft Company CEO and general manager Peter Coker said that the aircraft is “extremely easy” to use, meaning that emergency response crews can be quickly trained to operate them effectively.
He added that the jetpacks will eventually be used for a variety of other purposes and may even be available to the general public.