In a groundbreaking event in Dubai, the city-state hosted its inaugural jet suit race, a spectacular competition organized by Gravity Industries in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. Pilots equipped with jet engines on their hands and backs, reminiscent of scenes from ‘Iron Man,’ showcased their skills on a Dubai Marina runway used by Skydive Dubai, a company associated with Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, known for offering thrilling experiences.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai Marina’s skyscrapers, the futuristic display featured pilots deftly navigating the course using powerful jet suits. Gravity Industries’ founder and chief test pilot, Richard Browning, described the experience as fulfilling the dream of flight, likening it to the world of Marvel and DC Comics. The jet suits, boasting an impressive 1,500 horsepower, surpassed the power of many luxury sports cars and ran on the same aviation fuel used by Emirates for its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
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Despite having the capacity to reach speeds of up to 80 mph, the pilots in the event chose safety by navigating around obstacles in a water channel. While there were a few bumps between racers, only one pilot ended up in the water – an Emirati pilot with just 12 days of training, who remarkably recovered quickly.
Jet Suit race’s winner was UK’s Pilot Issa Kalfon
The race’s winner was UK’s Pilot Issa Kalfon, who crossed the finish line to receive a golden jet turbine. Kalfon, despite describing the jet suit as safe and manageable, admitted feeling nervous before takeoff, emphasizing the intense experience of the engines running and the adrenaline rush when the race began.
Gravity Industries gained international recognition for its jet suit technology, initially showcased by putting a jet suit on a UK Royal Marine who landed on a ship at sea. Collaborating with the Dubai Sports Council marked a significant step for the company in exploring applications of jet suit technology beyond military use.
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