Nobody cares about jet packs, claims jet pack developer


There are few things as “futuristic” as the concept of Jet Packs. The portable flying backpacks rest alongside flying cars and holograms as the sign that humanity is in the future. However, Jet Pack technology is already here — in the present — and nobody cares.

In an interview with The Guardian, Jet Pack developer David Mayman revealed that no one cares about the technology. Is the idea just not attractive in reality compared to fiction? Or is there something else going on?

No one cares about Jet Packs

Australian Jet Pack developer David Mayman made headlines worldwide when he realised the sci-fi dream almost seven years ago. Despite flying the technology across the world, even around famous landmarks, the technology isn't taking off.

Of course, the technology drives engagement on social media. Videos of the technology across YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more drive millions of views. But the impractical nature of jet-powered backpacks has let to a commercial flop.

If you're wondering just how much a real jetpack costs, they cost a lot. To buy a JB11 Jetpack, you’re looking at a base price of $340,000 Of course, there are multiple upgrades and fuel costs to add on top of that.

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JUST LOOK UP

Maymer notes that even the general public is disinterested in jetpacks at this point. The engineer and pilot claims that flying the technology is public doesn't even garner a glance from nearby civilians.

“I did a flight around Sydney harbour a few years ago,” he said. “I still remember flying around close enough to see the joggers and the people walking around the botanical area, and some of them did not look up. The jetpack is loud, so I promise you they heard me. But there I was, flying by on a jetpack, and they did not look up.”

It doesn't help that the technology isn't exactly new. Mayman recalls seeing usable jet packs at the 1984 Olympics in California. The infamous Los Angeles “Rocket Man” was clad in an hilarious U.S. flag outfit. Check it out below.

So, if the technology is old, and its still expensive, inaccessible and resource intensive, why would anyone want it?  Well, that's the million dollar question, and there's currently no answer in favour of the tech.

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