The Indian Army is exploring the use of rocket packs to enhance soldiers’ mobility during deployments and provide a new mode of transport beyond the current vehicles in use. In January, the Indian Army invited tenders for the development of 48 jet packs, which could provide soldiers with a significant advantage on the battlefield. Although it is unclear which company will ultimately manufacture the ordered units, Absolute Composites has already showcased its rocket backpacks for military units at the Aero India 2023 event.
The electric “jetpack”, dubbed SkyPack, is not yet in its final form, but its first prototype has been successfully tested. The Jet Suit from rocket backpack developer Gravity Industries is increasingly popping up to prove its effectiveness in special circumstances, such as during military operations or rescue work.
In a few years’ time, the first flight test to test the efficiency of a very fast spacecraft could be carried out as early as 2025. The device is being developed by Chinese engineers.
It is very useful for landing structures on the Moon, where the combination of low gravity and the razor-sharp rocks thrown up on landing pose a threat to incoming devices.