In a likely world first, two jetpacks are set to be put up for sale on TradeMe next month.
The Martin Jetpack - dreamed up by Christchurch inventor and Martin Aircraft Company founder Glenn Martin - became a reality in 2008 after 27 years of hard work and perseverance.
"It's Star Wars. It's Star Wars stormtrooper - that's the look," Martin said at the time.
The machine can fly for up to 45 minutes at a maximum speed of 74km/h, at an altitude of 1000 metres.
It was still in testing mode when Martin resigned from the company five years ago. The company went into liquidation in March this year.
“I think basically, they just ran out of money without quite getting to that production stage. It does require a lot of money to get one of these things to the point where you can sell them,” Sylarc Asset Realisation director Sam Brown told Seven Sharp.
Not only are the jetpacks for sale, but the company’s documentation, IP and computer servers are, too.
Brown hopes a New Zealand company might step up to give the Kiwi-born concept new wings.
“I suspect anyone who looks at buying it will look at changing it to an electric powered motor.
"That's the future,” he said.
Prospective buyers will not be able to take a test flight beforehand.
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