Jetpacks Finally Go on Sale...for $100,000 [VIDEO]

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For years, comedians and commentators have bemoaned the fact that jetpacks, as imagined in 1950s sci-fi movies, never materialized.

As of spring 2012, though, the dream will become a reality -- if you have $100,000 to spend, that is. A Dania Beach, Fla., company called JetLev will begin shipping its water-powered JetLev R200 early next year, according to the company's website. The suggested retail price: $99,500.

JetLev claims the R200 will propel you to a height of 30 feet (the hose is 33 feet long) at a top speed of 25 mph. As noted in the video, the pack is powered by a 200 hp engine that pumps water through a 10-meter hose at 1,000 gallons per minute, generating more than 420 lbs. of thrust. The company claims you can fly around in your jetpack for hours, thanks to a 22-gallon fuel capacity.

The item comes in red, black and white, and additional colors are available for an extra $3,500.

JetLev is not the only company working on a jetpack. Martin Aviation is working on what it calls "the world's first practical jetpack." In May, the Martin Jetpack soared to a height of 5,000 feet in a test flight in New Zealand.

While the promotional video paints a nice picture, jetpacks don't always work as promised. The second video below highlights a jetpack fail that made the rounds this past summer.

Are you ready for a jetpack? Let us know in the comments.