The world’s first jet suit race is scheduled for February 28th.

Everyone, start the turbines. Let’s take a look at what these amazing next-generation personal flying devices will look like and perform in the face of fierce competition. Gravity Industries has announced that the world’s first jet suit race will be held in less than a month.

It is said that the first motorcycle race was held on the day the second motorcycle was manufactured. The jet suit took a little more time. We first covered Gravity founder Richard Browning’s early foray into Iron Man-style jet suits nearly seven years ago.

But Gravity has done a solid job of advancing its own efforts in turbine-powered personal flight. While Mayman Aerospace specialized in traditional-looking jet packs and flying bikes, Zapata developed jet boards and high-speed go-karts, and the Jetman team developed ultra-fast jet wings, Gravity The company’s jet suit operates a single integrated jet turbine. Equipped with a fuel tank backpack, he also attaches four turbines to the pilot’s arms.

The turbines on the arms make this a very physical flying machine. That’s not to say other machines aren’t like that, but here you’ll be supporting most of your weight on your shoulders and arms, and using them to steer as well. So if you can hold up the Iron Cross in an old gymnastics ring, you’ll probably find that Gravity His suit is incredibly agile and fun to fly.

You can also purchase these 1,050 horsepower, 27 kg (60 lb) units yourself for approximately $483,000 (excluding tax). Or, for a more affordable $3,500, he can fly for a day on a tethered training rig.

gravity industries

After years of demonstration flights, emergency response test flights, military exercises, and even live-fire training with a shoulder-mounted head-tracking weapon system, Gravity is now ready to race.

Under an agreement signed with the Dubai government, the world’s first jet suit race will be held in the area between Dubai Harbor and Skydive Dubai on February 28 as part of the Dubai Boat Show. Emirates pilot Ahmed Al Shehhi, who is training with Britain’s Gravity, will take part in the race along with seven other pilots.

It will be a circuit race, so watch the FPV drone video above to see what it’s like from a racer’s perspective. Gravity has been developing this concept for several years, and while it’s unclear whether this will be a time trial or a head-to-head race, the company certainly has a lot of experience with multiple pilots flying in close proximity to each other. is. The idea of ​​two or more jetsuits flying a course at the same time is not out of the question. The suit will be modified to increase buoyancy and prevent drowning if someone falls into the drink.

Browning said in a press release: “Our Gravity Race Series promises even more visceral excitement and drama than Formula 1. We’re not content with just curating a display of flying and racing; We also aim to improve the quality of the work.” The event follows a flight path that includes challenges for competitors that require maneuverability, precision, and flying speed to determine the top four competitors who will compete for the top three spots on the podium. ”

Good luck, team! We look forward to seeing this unique event unfold.

Source: Dubai Government