Martin Jetpack Partners with US-based Airborne First Responder, Avwatch

Martin Aircraft Company (MACL) and US company, Avwatch are announce their partnership in developing airborne technology capabilities for the United States Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local agencies.

The two companies will work together on improving specific capabilities targeted at assisting the first responder sector, including search and rescue, security, police, ambulance, fire and natural disaster recovery through the purchase and supply of Martin Jetpacks and relevant products and services. Avwatch will utilize a number of Martin Jetpacks in the demonstration of potential capability to their customers.

The package will also include a simulator for training and mission rehearsal and the necessary support of all the Jetpack flying. There is also an opportunity to grow the partnership to service much of the North America market.

Avwatch was founded by former Coast Guard rescue pilot, Chris Kluckhuhn in 2008 to develop new technologies and integration strategies to deliver real-time situational awareness data to responders and remote command centers. It has since grown to include many additional leaders in the first responder community and is a proven leader in tactical networking and advanced aerial reconnaissance.

Its leaders have been nationally recognized for innovation and operational improvements by the Coast Guard, Navy, Government Computer News. Avwatch has quickly become a valued resource for rapid prototyping and innovation offices in the US Department of Defense (DoD) which has led to growth in similar non DoD offices and the private sector.

Chris Kluckhuhn says, “The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with substantial capabilities which will be very complementary to our solutions we can offer our customers. This is an exciting partnership that allows Avwatch and MACL to offer a unique and capability enhancing solution”.

The company recently helped the DoD’s Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) win a “Best of What’s New” award from the Popular Science Magazine for its role in helping the Prescott Fire Department test and field state-of-the-art field communications equipment originally developed for the military.

“It is an honor to be working with Avwatch and together creating the increased value that the Martin Jetpack can bring to Avwatch and to their associated US Government customers” says Martin Aircraft CEO and managing director, Peter Coker.

For further information, contact Peter Coker on +64 3 377 8584 or email peter.coker@martinaircraft.co.nz