Flying High: Richard Browning’s Jet-Engine Flying Suit

Summary

Richard Browning, founder and chief test pilot for Gravity, has built a 1,000 horsepower jet-engine flying suit. The suit is relatively safe from fire or heat hazards, but Browning is concerned about potential malfunction scenarios. Currently, the suit is custom-designed and priced at $440,000. The Gravity team is working on improving the suit’s efficiency and hopes to make it more accessible in the future. The speaker sees the possibility of racing with the jet suits over water as an exciting development that can push boundaries and inspire people.

Introduction
How did the idea for the jet-engine flying suit come about?
What was the process of designing and testing the suit like?
How fast and high can the suit go?
What are the safety concerns with the suit, and how is Gravity addressing them?
How much does the suit cost, and what are the future plans for making it more accessible?
What is the potential for racing with the jet suits over water?
What is the speaker’s vision for the future of human transport?
Conclusion

Introduction

Richard Browning, founder and chief test pilot for Gravity, has developed an innovative jet-engine flying suit that has captured the imagination of people around the world. In this Q&A article, we’ll look at how the idea for the suit came about and what the development process involved. We’ll also explore the suit’s capabilities and safety concerns, as well as its cost and accessibility. Finally, we’ll look at the potential for racing with the jet suits over water and how the suit might revolutionize human transport.

How did the idea for the jet-engine flying suit come about?

The idea for the jet-engine flying suit came from Browning’s early years of flying model aircraft with his father. Browning spent time in the military and in sports before discovering a love for calisthenics, which inspired him to experiment with jet engines. He started by strapping two model aircraft engines to his body and seeing if he could control them. Over time, he added more engines and experimented with different configurations, moving them up the body and consolidating them into one suit. Eventually, he developed a prototype that he could use to fly short distances.

What was the process of designing and testing the suit like?

Designing and testing the suit was a process of trial and error. Browning and his team tried different configurations for the engines, experimented with different materials, and constantly refined the design. They tested the suit in controlled environments and gradually increased the distance and altitude of the flights. Browning himself has done most of the test flights, using his experience as a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot to maneuver the suit through the air.

How fast and high can the suit go?

Browning holds the world speed record for a body-controlled jet suit at 32 miles per hour, but the suit has the potential to go much faster and higher. The amount of thrust the suit can generate depends on the number of engines and the amount of fuel they burn. The current suit has six engines, each generating roughly 170 horsepower. With eight engines, the suit could generate up to 800 pounds of thrust, allowing it to fly much faster and higher than the current configuration.

What are the safety concerns with the suit, and how is Gravity addressing them?

The main safety concerns with the suit are related to the potential for falls, collisions, or engine malfunction. The suit’s design includes multiple safety features, such as a quick-release harness that can detach the user from the suit in an emergency, as well as flame-retardant materials and heat-resistant gloves. However, Browning acknowledges that the suit is not foolproof and that there is always a risk of injury. To address this, the Gravity team is constantly working on improving the suit’s efficiency and safety features.

How much does the suit cost, and what are the future plans for making it more accessible?

The jet-engine flying suit is currently custom-designed and priced at around $440,000 per suit. This makes it prohibitively expensive for most people. However, the Gravity team is working on improving the efficiency of the suit, which could reduce the cost. They are also exploring the potential for competitions involving the suits, which could generate publicity and interest in the technology. In addition, they are working on an electric version of the suit, which would be environmentally friendly and more accessible to a wider range of users.

What is the potential for racing with the jet suits over water?

The speaker believes that racing with jet suits over water is a unique and exciting concept that is sure to capture public attention. Similar to what is seen in Marvel films, this new activity has the potential to push boundaries and inspire people. While it will primarily serve as entertainment, the speaker sees it as a stepping stone towards a revolution in human transport. Racing with jet suits could lead to further innovations in the field, as well as generate interest and investment in the technology.

What is the speaker’s vision for the future of human transport?

The speaker sees the jet-engine flying suit as a glimpse into the future of human transport. While the current suit might seem like a novelty, the technology behind it has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel. Jet suits could be used for short-distance flights, such as commuting within a city, or for search and rescue operations in remote areas. They could also serve as a mode of transport for adventure and exploration, allowing people to fly in places where normal aircraft can’t. The speaker believes that the jet suit is just the beginning of what could be a whole new era in human transport.

Conclusion

Richard Browning’s jet-engine flying suit is a remarkable achievement that has captured the imagination of people around the world. While it is currently priced out of reach for most people, the Gravity team is working on making the technology more efficient and accessible. Racing with jet suits over water is just one example of the potential uses for this innovative technology. As it continues to evolve, we may see a whole new era of human transport, where flying becomes as natural as walking or driving.