Dubai witnessed an extraordinary spectacle on Wednesday as pilots geared up for the city-states inaugural jet suit race. Organized by Gravity Industries in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the participants were equipped with jet engines on their hands and backs, reminiscent of scenes from the Iron Man movies.The highly anticipated race was organized in the majestic backdrop of Dubai Marinas towering skyscrapers. The competition took place on a runway at Dubai Marina, typically used by Skydive Dubai, a company associated with Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.حمدان بن محمد يشهد جانباً من منافسات بطولة دبي للبدلات النفاثة البطولة الأولى من نوعها على مستوى العالم التي أقيمت في دبي هاربر ، ونظمها مجلس دبي الرياضي وشركة جرافيتي الرائدة في هذا النوع من السباقات الجوية، بالتعاون مع نادي سكاي دايف #دبي وإكس دبي. https://t.co/tnrVDaqMPu pic.twitter.com/CwEoDDVmjK— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 28, 2024Power of jet suits surpasses sports carsThe jet suits have an impressive 1,500 horsepower, which surpasses the power of many luxury sports cars. They were fueled by aviation fuel similar to that used by Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, for its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777 aircraft.While the jet suits have the potential to reach speeds of up to 80 mph (128 km/h), the pilots in Wednesdays event did not quite hit those speeds. The race took place along a water channel chosen for safety, with pilots maneuvering around obstacles. Despite a few collisions between racers, only one pilot ended up in the water.سماء #دبي تشهد غداً 28 فبراير 2024، منافسات بطولة دبي للبدلات النفاثة الأولى من نوعها على مستوى العالم للطيران بدون طائرة وباستخدام بدلات ذات محركات نفاثة.تنطلق منافسات البطولة من نادي سكاي دايف دبي وتمتد لمسافة 700 متر وصولًا إلى دبي هاربر@DubaiSC pic.twitter.com/yx6wVEzNQz— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2024Who won the jet raceThe United Kingdoms Pilot Issa Kalfon emerged victorious and claimed a golden jet turbine. After his win, Kalfon admitted feeling nervous before takeoff but described the jet suit as safe and manageable. He recounted the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as the race began.Development of jet suit technology beyond military useGravity Industries gained global recognition for its innovative use of jet suit technology, from landing on a ship at sea to participating in this groundbreaking race in Dubai. Gravity Industries is collaborating with the Dubai Sports Council in order to explore the diverse applications of jet suit technology beyond the military realm.What has Gravity Industriess founder said about jet raceRichard Browning, founder and chief test pilot for Gravity Industries, described the experience as akin to fulfilling the dream of flight. He likened it to the sensation of being able to soar freely, much like the superheroes depicted in Marvel and DC Comics. Browning expressed pride in Gravity Industries achievement in bringing this dream to life.
