No More Viral Videos, The Real-Life Jet Pack Is Ready For Action

Bobby Barker

While the first thing that comes to mind when you think about finding uses for a ‘jetpack’ might involve something like a James Bond-like figure chasing down a criminal mastermind through the streets of a European urban centre. Endless pop culture examples have embedded this into our brains, however, the possibilities extend far beyond just what we often see on the big screen movie.

You might have seen the name Gravity Industries pop up on your social feeds at some point over the past few years. The British human flight technology company have gone viral for several videos of their incredible ‘Jet Suits’ in action. The 1,050 horsepower dual jet-engine suits are the closest thing we’ve seen to a real-life functional jet pack, as seen in every great spy movie ever (and of course, Jimmy Neutron). However, Gravity Industries has recognised that the Jet Suit can have far more of an impact in society than just providing some cool demonstration videos, instead looking for ways the technology can make a real difference and in some cases, possibly save lives.

One of the avenues that Gravity Industries has explored has been in partnering with British emergency services charity, the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). The two organisations tested the potential of using the Jet Suits in emergency medical situations involving hikers in England’s Lake District last November. Often times, when a hiker is injured or suffering from an unexpected medical incident and in desperate need of medical attention, it can take up to hours for professionals to reach them and provide the necessary treatment. The test revealed that a paramedic with competent knowledge of how to use the suit could reach an injured hiker in a fraction of the time it would take to reach them on foot, with their test cutting an estimated 25 minute trek down to just 30 seconds. GNAAS director of Operations Andy Mawson commented that “The potential is just huge,” and that the suits have the potential to “save lives and ease suffering.”

Elsewhere, the suits have been put to use by the British Royal Marines, who are hoping the jet suits can assist them in combatting piracy. A demonstration from back in May shows how the Marines could use the Iron Man-like technology in “visit, board, search, and seizure” operations, allowing Marines to fly from a Navy vessel to a foreign one with relative ease. As recently as this month, the tech was also put into action and tested by police units, with a video demonstrating the potential to use the jet suits to fight crime on the streets, although this application has already drawn mixed reactions (probably looks a bit too much like Robocop for some people’s liking).

Regardless of where and with whom Gravity Industries ultimately decides its ground-breaking creation is best suited, the jet pack might be the next iconic pop-culture gadget we see practically implemented in common society. After that, who knows? Maybe flying cars and laser rifles will be on the market in 2025?

Top image courtesy of Sam Rogers.