Real-life 'superheroes' soar in the world's first Jet Suit race

From cutting-edge architecture to groundbreaking infrastructure, Dubai has always been a hub of innovation. But on Wednesday, the 'City of Superlatives' embraced a sci-fi fantasy as eight pilots, dressed like Marvel's 'Iron Man,' soared through the sky.

However, they weren't battling supervillains or alien invaders. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and opulent super yachts, the athletes participated in the debut of the Jet Suit Race Series, a groundbreaking event organized by the Dubai Sports Council in collaboration with Gravity Industries, the creators of the jet suit.

“Unlike traditional racing, this is a three-dimensional challenge,” says Richard Browning, chief test pilot and founder of Gravity Industries, a UK-based company established in 2017. “Pilots are above, below, and all around, creating a truly unique racing experience.”

The eight pilots navigated a one-kilometer (0.6-mile) course, weaving through 12 massive inflatable obstacles floating in the water. Four heats determined the standings, with the final race lasting just 90 seconds, crowning the ultimate champion.

“We had disqualifications, people losing control, and even one pilot plunging into the water — it was total chaos, but in the best possible way,” says Browning.

He envisions the event sparking the imagination of future scientists and engineers, encouraging them to think big: “Most technologies seem absurd and impossible until they become reality.”

‘The power of a Bugatti’ packed into a backpack

Gravity’s innovative technology features five engines — a main one on the back and two smaller ‘micro jet engines’ on each arm — all housed in a suit made of 3D-printed polymers, aluminum, and titanium. Browning likens the 1,700-horsepower jet suit to a Bugatti Veyron’s power, all packed into a 30-kilogram (66-pound) backpack.

Pilots steer their flight by adjusting the direction of their arms — for example, pointing them downward to ascend or lifting them outward to descend. The jet suit runs on aviation fuel or diesel and can reach speeds of up to 136 kilometers per hour (85 miles per hour), with Browning holding the personal speed record.

Like any adrenaline-fueled sport, there’s always an element of risk. Gravity compares jet suit crashes to 'falling off a motorcycle' and keeps flights low to the ground, either over water or grass, to minimize potential danger.

“By flying over water, if something goes wrong, you just fall in — it adds some drama. It’s costly to repair, but everyone walks away unscathed,” Browning explains.

Issa Kalfon, Gravity's deputy head of flight training and former gymnast, clinched first place at the event, with fellow British pilots Paul Jones and Freddie Hay taking second and third respectively.

Kalfon has participated in over 30 Gravity events and demonstrations, but not all of the pilots have had that level of experience.

Currently, jet suits aren’t classified under any aviation categories, so they don’t require specific permits. However, Browning notes that they collaborate with aviation authorities like the UK’s CAA and the US’s FAA to ensure compliance with existing regulations and safety protocols. In 2020, a fatal jetpack incident occurred in Dubai, but it wasn’t involving a Gravity suit.

Ahmed Al Shehhi, a thrill-seeker and avid skydiver, represented the UAE in the race. He was the only competitor not affiliated with the Gravity team. Al Shehhi had just three weeks of experience with the jet suit, having completed an intense 12-day training program in the UK, where trainees start with a safety tether system before progressing to free flight.

“If you add up the total time he’s spent with the engines on, it’s probably about 25 minutes,” says Browning. “It’s remarkable how fast people can adapt to this.”

Beyond just a spectacle

The event was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology, highlighting that entertainment is just one facet of the jet suit's potential. A former Royal Marines reservist, Browning is already collaborating with industries such as search and rescue, medical, and military defense to integrate the jetpack into their operations.

In 2020, the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) tested Gravity Industries' jet suits across the rugged terrain of the Lake District in the UK, cutting a 25-minute hike to just 90 seconds of flight. The company made headlines again in 2021 when the British Royal Navy and Royal Marines spent three days testing the suits off the southern coast of the UK, exploring how they could help soldiers quickly board ships, a task traditionally done by helicopter.

“(We train) special forces and medical responders to navigate any terrain, day or night, whether it's wires, mud, mines, or water, and in conditions that ground most helicopters. This allows them to reach any part of the world, complete a mission, and importantly, self-extract,” says Browning.

Other companies are also working to revolutionize human mobility. California-based JetPack Aviation claims to have developed the world's first jetpack, which has appeared in TV shows and movies, while Indian startup Absolute Composites is exploring military applications with the Indian Army.

Browning says the showcase is just the start of the sport: Gravity plans to host a championship in Dubai next year, featuring at least 12 competitors. He hopes the event will “ignite the imagination” of people and cities worldwide about the potential of this technology.

“For many of our audience, this feels like science fiction becoming reality,” says Browning. “Whether it's ‘The Rocketeer,’ ‘Ironman,’ or ‘The Jetsons,’ we constantly hear people tell us, 'I waited my whole childhood for this, and you’ve finally brought that vision to life.' It’s pretty amazing to hear,” he adds.