Martin Aircraft Company Limited (ASX:MJP) is pleased to announce that today it conducted the first New Zealand unmanned public flight display with its innovate and versatile Martin Jetpack.
Over 10,000 aviation enthusiast, VIPs and Media gathered at Wanaka Airport in the South Island of New Zealand for day 1 of the 3-day airshow to witness the display of a Martin Jetpack in its home country.
Today’s flights were conducted using the advanced P12 pre-production prototype. The P12 is the final testing model for the Martin Aircraft Company, which is due to release its Next Generation Jetpack in mid-2016 for delivery to First Responder customers in the second half of this year.
Speaking of today’s two demonstration flights, Martin Aircraft CEO and Managing Director, Peter Coker, says, “Since the beginning the Martin Jetpack has had a core group of loyal followers in New Zealand and increasingly internationally. Warbirds over Wanaka represents an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for this support and share with all aviation enthusiasts and their families that the Martin Jetpack dream has now become a reality.”
Test Pilot for both of today’s flights, Michael van der Vliet, comments, “Today’s flight was faultless. It’s such a privilege to be here today in Wanaka making aviation history and giving the public an opportunity to see the Jetpack operate in its unmanned rescue mode, which will be used in situations where traditional aircraft cannot operate, such as high rise tower rescues.”
Michael continues, “Flying the Jetpack remotely using its fly by wire system makes it extremely simple to operate and the safety systems make the Martin Jetpack one of the safest light aircraft on the market today. Also, unlike most quadcopters which are limited to a few kilograms, the Jetpack when operated remotely can lift up to 12okg, making it a very versatile UAV (unmanned air vehicle).”
Martin Aircraft is currently taking orders from First Responder service providers such as Fire, Police and Ambulance services.