Dubai has moved to protect its forest of skyscrapers – which includes the world’s tallest, the 2,700ft Burj Khalifa – by ordering jetpacks for its firefighters.
The city’s Directorate of Civil Defence has ordered 20 of the $200,000 machines, made by New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company, plus two simulators for training.
The incredible machines have 200-horsepower fan-driven engines that give them a top speed of 45mph and an altitude ceiling of 3,000 feet, which means they’ll be able to reach the top of the Burj Khalifa.
They can even be piloted remotely.
Martin Aircraft Company explained that the jetpack will mean Dubai’s firefighters can reach areas even helicopters can’t.
It said: ‘The jetpack can take off and land vertically (VTOL) and because of its small dimensions, can operate in confined spaces such as close to or between buildings, near trees or in confined areas that other VTOL aircraft such as helicopters cannot access.
‘This highly responsive tactical air asset allows for rapid deployment for Civil Defence roles such as intelligent surveillance, initial intervention, heavy lift payload drone, high rise rescue, and rapid deployment of specialist teams.’
The jetpack deal was signed on November 9 at the Dubai Air Show.
The signing ceremony was attended by Lt Col Expert Ali Hassan Almutawa, Director Operations on behalf of Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director-General of Civil Defence.
He said: ‘The vision of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) is protecting lives, properties and environment and to provide fast professional service, efficient investment of human and material sources to give best results.
‘Dubai is one of the fastest growing future cities in the world with its modern skyscrapers and vast infrastructure it has always been a world leader in adapting new technology to improve and save people’s lives.
Source: Dubai Civil Defence/Instagram