Iron Man-Like Aircraft Makes Maiden Flight in China

KuangChi Martin Jetpack, the world's first practical jetpack able to be flown by a pilot or via remote control, made its maiden flight in south China's coastal city of Shenzhen on Sunday.

Michael Read, director of Flight Operations from New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company, flied over a water park on the Martin Jetpack for more than five minutes, with cheers from the public over its spiraling and swerving.

A remote-control demonstration was also shown to the public.

The jetpack, with a 200-horsepower gasoline-powered engine, is able to fly nonstop for 30 minutes with a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour. A parachute can be shot off within 0.68 second once the system detects a looming risk.

KuangChi Science, headquartered in Shenzhen and listed in Hong Kong, is a major shareholder of the New Zealand company, which is expected to deliver the product to the market in 2016.

KuangChi Science also launched an Iron Man Club on Sunday. It signed agreements with four Chinese companies on the purchase of 100 jetpacks and 20 jetpack trainers.

Anyone who wants to steer the jetpack should join the club first and receive professional training and get a flying qualification.

The aircraft solves problems that others cannot with its ability to land on rooftops, fly into tightly confined areas or providing an economic and practical alternative to traditional helicopters, according to a statement from KuangChi Science.

The 200-kg jetpack can fly in areas below 1,500 meters high and can be used in medical emergency, fire rescue, tourism and travelling, according to the statement.

The jetpack is currently sold at e-commerce site JD.com for 1.6 million yuan (US$250,784).