In Dubai on Wednesday, pilots lined up on a runway and started their seven jet engines with a loud noise. However, they weren’t getting ready to fly a plane – they were the plane itself.

This city-state in the United Arab Emirates, known for being home to the world’s tallest building and other wonders, hosted what it called its first-ever jet suit race. Racers zipped along a route with the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina looming behind them, controlling the jet engines on their hands and their backs.

The pilots say that the sound is reminiscent of Iron Man, the Marvel comic book character popularized by actor Robert Downey Jr., and it is just like him.

Richard Browning, the creator and primary pilot for Gravity Industries, which organized the race in Dubai, compared their experience to a dream of flying freely and letting one’s imagination guide them. He also acknowledged the influence of Marvel and DC Comics in creating this dream through CGI, and believes that they have come the closest to bringing it to life.

The use of a jet suit by Gravity attracted global recognition when it was worn by a member of the U.K. Royal Marines, who successfully landed on a ship in the ocean a few years ago. Since then, Gravity has extensively used the suits in various locations and also explored potential military uses for them. They have now proposed a competition in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council.

The races on Wednesday saw pilots wear 1,500-horsepower jet suits, more powerful than most luxury sports cars and using the same kind of fuel used by Dubai-based long-haul carrier Emirates’ Airbus A380s and Boeing 777 aircraft. Pilots lined up on a runway used at the Dubai Marina by Skydive Dubai, the thrill-seeking firm associated with the sheikhdom’s Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, with some parachutists coming down as they prepared their jet packs.

Afterwards, pilot Issa Kalfon described it as the pivotal moment. The engines revved as the pilots took a leap and leaned forward. Just like a helicopter, they took off and zoomed through obstacles in a water channel close to the location. Event coordinators chose the water site for increased velocity and safety precautions, as the pilots zoomed above the water surface at a low altitude.

Gravity reported that the jet suit is capable of reaching speeds up to 80 miles per hour (128 kilometers per hour). During their performances, the pilots were able to increase their speed, even colliding with each other in mid-air as amazed spectators watched.

Jennifer Ross, a 50-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Houston but now residing in Dubai, expressed amazement at the sight of individuals flying over the water in Dubai. She likened the experience to astronauts navigating through space.

Although famous for its beaches, bars, and bazaars, Dubai has a deep interest in aviation, especially as it is home to the world’s busiest international airport. The city has been actively exploring the concept of aerial taxis for many years now.

Additionally, Dubai has become a popular destination for adventure seekers. XDubai, an organization connected to Sheikh Hamdan, offers exciting zip line experiences throughout the city, including over the Dubai Marina and the bustling downtown area near the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

However, there are also potential dangers. In 2020, Vincent Reffet, who was one of the original “Jetmen” in Dubai and had gained notoriety for flying alongside an Emirates A380, passed away in a training accident.

Kalfon, the winner of the race who lifted a golden jet turbine, admitted to feeling anxious before his flights, but stated that the jet suit was both secure and manageable.

According to Kalfon, once the engines are running and the flag drops, it’s time to go all out. The intensity is high and you’re focused on the race.

During Wednesday’s race, there was a collision in which Emirati pilot Ahmed al-Shehhi crashed into the water feet first. However, he quickly resurfaced and signaled to rescuers with a thumbs-up. The commentator noted that he only had 12 days of training before the race. The boat was then taken away by technicians, leaving behind a strong smell of jet fuel.

Several onlookers were captivated by the jet suits, expressing excitement for the opportunity to take a ride on one themselves.

Pratik Vyas, a 35-year-old import-export businessman from Gujarat, India, raved about the incredible show in Dubai where people seemingly fly through the sky. He described it as the cutting-edge technology of Iron Man, making it a must-see experience.

Source: wral.com