How cool would it be to fly like Iron Man? Wouldn’t it be awesome to soar above the ground and feel the wind in your face? Well, guess what? A group of competitors are about to experience that exact sensation very soon. How? As part of the world’s first jet suit race.
It’s happening on February 28, during the Dubai Boat Show at the Dubai Harbour. You’re probably wondering what a jet suit race is. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a new sport that’s taking off (literally).
What is a jet suit race?
Jet suit racing is a sport that Gravity Industries has been working towards since its first race in Bermuda in 2020. It features pilots wearing 1500hp jet suits and racing against each other on a specially designed course. The course consists of various obstacles and checkpoints that the pilots have to navigate through. The races are timed and judged based on speed, accuracy, and style.
Credit: Gravity Industries
Credit: Gravity Industries
How does a jet suit work?
Gravity’s jet suits are unlike any other flying machines you’ve seen before. Gravity Jet Suits are unlike any other flying machine you’ve seen before. They consist of 3 jet turbines integrated with its fuel tank backpack, and four more turbines attached to the pilot’s arms.
The pilot controls the thrust and direction of the suit by moving their arms, making it a very physical and agile way to fly. The suit can reach a max speed of 85 mph and normally fly 10ft off hard terrain and 13ft off water for safety reasons. The average flight time is 5 minutes for a full tank.
Credit: Gravity Industries
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What will the jet suit race be like?
7 to 8 pilots will compete in a circuit race, and it will be a test of skill, stamina, and nerve for the pilots, who will have to navigate a challenging course that includes obstacles, turns, and elevation changes. The race will also be a spectacle for the spectators, who will get to witness the incredible sight and sound of pilots flying through the air with jet engines.
Credit: Gravity Industries
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Who is behind the jet suit race?
The jet suit race is the brainchild of Richard Browning, the founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries. He says he wants to create a new sport that showcases the potential of human flight and inspires people to pursue their dreams.
Our Gravity Race Series promises high octane visceral excitement and drama akin to Formula One. We will not be satisfied with organizing a flying and racing display only; we also seek to increase the intensity of competition and excitement in the event through the flight path that includes challenges for the competitors that require maneuverability, accuracy, and flight speed to determine the four best competitors who will then vie for the top three places and take the podium.
Credit: Gravity Industries
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How can I watch or try a jet suit?
If you’re interested in watching the Jet Suit Race live, it will be held on February 28 in the area between Dubai Harbor and Skydive Dubai as part of the Dubai Boat Show. Check out Gravity Industries’ social media for more details.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try flying a Jet Suit yourself, you can book a full flight training day with Gravity for $8500 or a half day for $3500. And if you’re really serious about owning a Jet Suit, you can buy one for $483,000, plus tax.
Credit: Gravity Industries
Kurt’s key takeaways
Jet suit racing is a new, heart-pounding sport that’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Picture daredevil pilots strapping on jet suits, ready to defy gravity and race against one another. They’ll twist and turn through obstacles, pushing the boundaries of what humans can do in mid-air. We’re talking adrenaline, speed, and a whole lot of “wow.” Will this sport soar to new heights? It’ll be interesting to see if it takes off or not and where it goes from here.
Would you consider suiting up for some high-flying action and trying out a jet suit for yourself? Why or why not?
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