1984 Technology Soon Available in Stores




During the Opening Ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, crowds were dazzled by the entrance of Rocketman. 

The flight lasted less than 20 seconds and he never rose more than 30 feet above the ground.  Still, everyone was assured that they'd be trading in their cars to commute to work via their very own jetpack by the following year.   

Now 27 years later, the Martin Aircraft Company has introduced a much-bulkier, gasoline-powered prototype of two giant leaf blowers strapped to an irresponsible man.

The Matin Jetpack will become available to the general public in 2012.  It can reach altitudes of 5,000 feet and fly for about 30 minutes.  It will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $100k, and likely decrease your life expectancy to about a week.