A NEW ZEALAND technology company acquired by Shenzhen-based KuangChi Science Ltd. was listed in Australia on Wednesday and plans to deliver manned and unmanned jetpacks next year.

    Martin Aircraft Co. Ltd. (MJP) is the maker of the flying equipment used in Hollywood’s blockbuster “Ironman.” Its jetpack was selected as one of the 50 best inventions in 2010 by American magazine Time.

    The company’s latest prototype has a carrying capacity of 120 kilograms and is able to fly at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 1,500 meters, according to a report in Thursday’s Southern Metropolis Daily.

    The latest ones on the market will be able to fly at a maximum speed of 74 kilometers per hour for 30 minutes continuously.

    The unmanned jetpack has the potential to be used in the field of heavy transportation, agriculture and aerial photography, and the manned edition by emergency response departments and individuals, according to MJP.

    KuangChi said jetpack booking is robust and 80 percent of the buyers are from the United States.

    The jetpack maker has signed deals with the U.S. defense ministry and land security department, as well as several U.S. state governments, to supply jetpacks for use in search and rescue, security and firefighting.

    (Martin Li)