Thunderpack

The Thunderpack model TP-R2G2, created by Thunderbolt Aerosystems, just might be the closest thing available to the rocket-powered jet pack of your childhood science fiction fantasies.

Sure, it can fly only for 75 seconds--and that's the upper end--but its creators hope that further research and development may make jetpacks a viable solution for everything from forest fire control to business commutes.

In fact, Thunderbolt claims that its original Thunderpack (model R1G2) was sold to an undisclosed company specifically for emergency and earthquake rescue operations.

For about $100,000, Thunderbolt Aerosystems says you can have a TP-R2G2 this summer.

January 29, 2008 4:00 AM PST

Photo by: Thunderbolt Aerosystems