The first large-scale rocket backpack competition was organised

Jet Suit rocket backpack manufacturer Gravity Industries and Dubai Sports Council announced a month ago the launch of the Jet Suit Race Series, the first major Jet Suit competition to be held in Dubai, which will see participants wearing the company’s jetpacks. A similar event was previously held during last year’s Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, but only three drivers took part and the race was more of a demonstration.

The event on 28 February was more like a real race, with drivers flying over the water and manoeuvring around a course marked out by buoys, with prizes for the first place. As in the Austrian programme, there was a minor accident: the UAE pilot fell into the water but was not injured.

According to the Associated Press, the competitor started training and practicing with the Jet Suit 12 days before the event. First place went to Britain’s Issa Klafon, who lifted a trophy in the shape of a gold rocket backpack.

Gravity Industries often uses the Jet Suits in spectacular displays such as this, but the idea is that the devices are not just for entertainment, the rocket backpacks are also practical: they can be used for rescue work or military applications to provide assistance in difficult terrain that is faster than surface transport and easier to deploy than other types of aircraft.

However, Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries, ruled out the possibility of the Jet Suit being used as a means of everyday transport in an interview with Rocket in 2021, saying that the deafening noise alone would make it unsuitable for this purpose.

Source: apnews.com