There was a time when jet suits or jet packs were just a thing of science fiction movies, along with exoskeletons and flying cars. Now, we have reached the point of technological advancement that Dubai is already hosting a racing event with the use of jet suits.
Jet Suit Race
During a ceremony at the Burj Park next to the towering Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Sports Council announced that the country will be hosting the first-ever jet suit race the world will see, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Along with the Crown Prince of Dubai, the event will also be under the patronage of the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The company behind the jet suits, Gravity Industries, is also cooperating in the organization of the event.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed that the race "signals the beginning of a new era of exciting aerial sporting action globally and it is a true reflection of Dubai's soaring spirit of enterprise as well as the human capacity to overcome challenges."
In addition to that, Sheikh Mansoor says that the event highlights "Dubai's uniqueness and boundless energy in presenting to the world novel ideas that combine innovation, adventure, and ambition that push the boundaries of human imagination."
The race already has a predetermined course and will take place on February 28th this year, during the Dubai Boat Show. There was even a live demonstration by three of the competitors as they flew past the Dubai Fountain.
The race itself will be held between Dubai Harbor and Skydice Dubai, meaning that the competitors will be flying across the water, with depths that were said to be suitable for the sport, likely for the sake of safety.
Jet suit racing is hardly the first aerial sport as there are already extreme activities like skydiving, paragliding, base jumping, and more. However, the new way of hovering marks a new era of aerial sports.
The jet suits have been developed since 2017, and Gravity Industries has made several improvements in maneuverability, precision, and speed. In fact, it has already flown in 260 live events in 45 countries.
What Jet Suits Can Be Used For
The jet suit race is just an entertaining way of showing how the technology works and what it's capable of. Soon enough, it will also be more widely used for other applications like rescue and even the military.
They can be used to go over unsafe areas or cross to locations that cannot be reached on foot or using ground vehicles. As for emergency responses, jet suits may also be used for faster transportation, which could serve as a cheaper option than other aerial vehicles.
Although this is an exciting venture into new technology, there are still a lot of improvements to be made to make it as safe as possible. Size-wise, it can also be developed to be smaller and lighter than what they are now.
