The James Bond-inspired Jetpack for the Water

By P. Joseph

A recreational, water-powered jetpack that can propel you up to 28 feet in the air is to be launched in Monaco this month.

The result of over 10 years of painstaking research and development, the Jetlev is the brainchild of Canadian inventor, Raymond Li, who became fascinated with the idea of using a strap-on jetpack after watching James Bond in the movie ‘Thunderball’.

Costing between €84,000 (£74,000) and €129,000 (£114,000), the ground-breaking new toy is designed to be used above water, and is expected to attract Superyacht owners, yacht charter companies and waterfront resorts.

It will be unveiled at the prestigious Top Marques Monaco supercar show as part of the event’s inaugural boat and tender parade – Top Marques Superboats – which is being introduced this year.

The Jetlev comes in two models: the JF-250 which is made of Carbon Fibre and has 250 horse power, and the JF-220 which is made of fibre glass and has 220 horse power.

Able to carry a person to a maximum speed of about 22 mph, the jetpack is tethered to a fibreglass pod with a 33-foot hose. The pod's 4-stroke engine takes in water and sends it through the hose to the jetpack. The water is expelled from the pack's two adjustable nozzles, propelling the pilot while towing the pod.

A 57-litre fuel tank enables a flight time of 2 to 2.5 hours on a full tank.

Manufactured by MS Watersports in Germany, the company says it has already received orders from across the world, including the Middle East, Russia and Portugal.

Top Marques Monaco runs from 14th - 17th April.

"The Jetlev is the brainchild of Canadian inventor, Raymond Li, who became fascinated with the idea of using a strap-on jetpack after watching James Bond in the movie ‘Thunderball’."

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"The Jetlev is the brainchild of Canadian inventor, Raymond Li, who became fascinated with the idea of using a strap-on jetpack after watching James Bond in the movie ‘Thunderball’."

By P. Joseph