Jet Packs?

The headline on the Smithsonian Magazine blog entry promises: 

This Jetpack Could Carry You Twenty Miles 

and Be On the Market By Next Year

Really? Gosh, according to Smithsonian, next Halloween we could actually be buzzing like moths around a Jack O'lantern? That's hard to imagine!

I remember Sean Connery as James Bond, soaring above lesser humans with a jetpack created by "Q" (way back in 1965.) According to IMBd.com that movie racked up 140 million ticket sales, making it the most popular Bond movie ever, and the jetpack and Q's other inventions surely contributed to its success. Those viewers could be potential jetpackers. 

But it seems Q's idea wasn't original. While searching online for a free photo to use in this post, I came across this magazine cover from 1928. Looks like the jetpack idea has been around for a long, long time.

Now the esteemed Smithsonian says jetpacks will actually be available to anyone who has $150,000 to $200,000 to blow. I wonder if that price will include the required hearing protection, helmet, neck restraints, boots, and fireproof suit or will accessories be sold separately? Are batteries included? 

If you have a bunch of spare cash sitting around, will you buy a jetpack? You'll find details HERE if you're interested in this mode of transportation... and if you don't mind wearing a dorky looking helmet!  

Photo Source: Wikipedia