Jetpacks development: Human flight is about to take off

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 6, 2022

Insight summary

Once a fantasy confined to science fiction, jetpacks have become a reality, with applications ranging from emergency services to luxury experiences. The development and regulation of jetpack technology are shaping new forms of transportation, entertainment, and professional services, with implications for safety, law enforcement, and urban planning. The long-term impacts of this trend may include the creation of new aerial sports, changes in domestic airspace regulations, the emergence of novel criminal activities, and the transformation of travel and community structures.

Jetpacks development context

Jetpacks seemed impossible up until the 2010s when startups finally released functional models that anyone could learn how to use. Jet packs are vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) suits that allow an individual to use engines powered by kerosene or diesel for upward propulsion. Companies, such as US-based JetAviation and UK-based Gravity Industries, are aggressively developing jet pack models for use in certain professions and services, such as for paramedics and military troop transportation. Designed for fast mobility, jet packs allow users to jump over medium-sized buildings, jump from ship to ship, offer an alternative to helicopters when staging certain types of rescues, and they can allow wearers to reach target destinations at high speeds.

Recent (2021) jetpack models have 1,000 horsepower and can fly for between five and six minutes. According to some experts, the immediate use case for jet packs could be in the firefighting, rescue, and law enforcement services, which may drastically improve response times and success rates. The development of jetpack technology has also opened up new possibilities for personal transportation and recreation.

The impact of jetpack technology on various industries is worth considering. In the medical field, paramedics equipped with jetpacks may need to reach patients in remote or congested areas more quickly. In the military, jetpacks could provide a new dimension to troop mobility, allowing soldiers to navigate difficult terrain with ease. Even in the entertainment industry, jetpacks are finding a place, with performers using them to create thrilling aerial displays.

Disruptive impact

While widescale usage of jet packs will likely remain forever limited and heavily regulated due to numerous safety and legal reasons, the late 2020s may see licensed operators offer curated jetpack experiences for high-income thrill-seekers. For example, at a cost of USD $4,950, JetAviation is offering a two-day training course for their JB10 model, which the Federal Aviation Administration has approved. For safety purposes, trainees are tethered by wires to a large metal frame to prevent them from spinning off uncontrollably. This trend may lead to a new form of luxury tourism, where adventurous individuals can experience the sensation of flight in a controlled and regulated environment.

As the technology for jetpacks improves, lawmakers in different countries will pass strict regulations governing their use. The most common use of jetpacks will eventually be concentrated within military, SWAT, firefighting, and search and rescue services. These regulations will likely shape the way jetpacks are integrated into professional services, ensuring that they are used responsibly and effectively. Governments and regulatory bodies may need to work closely with manufacturers and operators to develop standards that balance innovation with public safety.

However, the 2030s will see jetpack applications for entertainment purposes; for example, among stunt performers in theme parks, as well as international jetpack racing leagues that could form as the technology becomes more sophisticated. This development could create new opportunities for entertainment and sports industries, attracting audiences and participants alike. The emergence of jetpack racing leagues and performances may also lead to the creation of new jobs and revenue streams, from pilots and engineers to marketing and event management.

Implications of jetpacks

Wider implications of jetpacks may include:

• The application of jet pack rocketry technology being applied to other forms of transportation, like hoverbikes and multi-seat transport drones, leading to the creation of new modes of travel and potentially altering urban transportation dynamics.


• Domestic airspace becoming ever more regulated to ensure the safe operation of planes, drones, flying cars, and soon, jet pack users, resulting in more complex air traffic control systems and potential challenges for aviation authorities.


• Novel forms of criminality becoming possible should robbers or contract killers gain access to jet pack suits to bypass most forms of ground security, necessitating new law enforcement strategies and technologies.


• The development of a new sub-niche of aerial sports alongside skydiving and wingsuit gliding, creating opportunities for athletes, event organizers, and media companies to engage with new audiences.


• The emergence of specialized training and education programs for jet pack operation and maintenance, leading to new career paths and educational opportunities in the field of aviation.


• The potential for jet packs to be used in remote or underserved areas, improving access to medical care, emergency response, and other essential services, and thereby reducing regional disparities in service provision.


• The creation of new tourism experiences centered around jet pack flights, leading to economic growth in luxury travel sectors and potential shifts in tourist destinations and attractions.


• The need for significant investment in research and development to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact, leading to collaboration between governments, industry, and academia to address sustainability concerns.


• The possibility of international agreements and treaties governing the use of jet packs, especially in military and law enforcement contexts, influencing diplomatic relations and global security dynamics.


• The potential for jet packs to alter real estate and urban planning, as the ability to travel vertically may change the way buildings are designed and cities are laid out, leading to new architectural concepts and community structures.

Questions to consider

• Would you be willing to try flying with a jet pack, and do you think jet pack travel can ever be made safe?


• Do you think jetpacks could ever play a role in mass public transportation in future decades?