Future flight: Electric aircraft or personal jetpack?

Two designs of future aircraft publicised this week illustrate contrasting visions for the future of flight. The first is a petrol-powered personal jetpack that manages 5mpg, whilst the other is a concept design zero-emissions electric airship able to carry multiple passengers.

The Zep’lin is a result of crystal ball gazing by industrial designer Damien Grossemy during his recent stint at Renault.

The aircraft would use a flexible wing and rudder system to enable it to tilt thereby exposing its solar panels to the Sun’s rays.

In contrast, the £57,000 Martin Jetpack is powered by a 2-litre, 2-stroke engine able to run on regular petrol, a range of 30 miles and went on sale this week.

Does the world need a ‘flying Lamborghini’?

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The jetpack is a marvel of technology, but in environmental terms it is a backwards step for personal transport since it produces as much noise and air pollution as a supercar.”

Future flight
The Zep’lin is at present only a concept design, but there is resurgence of interest in airships. Lighter-than-air aircraft are able to carry heavy payloads and are useful test bed for sustainable technology such as solar-powered electric motors.
The Martin Jetpack is the first commercially available jetpack in the world – it has a retail price and fuel economy comparable with a secondhand Lamborghini.
The Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft last year managed its first short flight during runway testing ahead of a planned 36-hour flight this year.

Future flight

The Zep’lin is at present only a concept design, but there is resurgence of interest in airships. Lighter-than-air aircraft are able to carry heavy payloads and are useful test bed for sustainable technology such as solar-powered electric motors.

The Martin Jetpack is the first commercially available jetpack in the world – it has a retail price and fuel economy comparable with a secondhand Lamborghini.

The Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft last year managed its first short flight during runway testing ahead of a planned 36-hour flight this year.

Is there a future for sustainable air travel?

The world’s first solar-powered aircraft made its first hop into the air during testing late last year, but a commercial application many years away – certainly too far off to help meet impending emissions targets.

A spokesperson for the ETA said: “Aircraft are becoming more efficient, but not quickly enough to justify huge increases in flying.”