Gravity Industries founder and inventor Richard Browning is edging closer to a commercial application for his jet pack technology after this week conducting trials on behalf of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). Mr Browning has been developing his jet pack for some years now, setting a number of distance and speed records for flights using the technology along the way.
Until now, Mr Browning’s test flights, including traveling to the Isle of Wight from the mainland, have demonstrated the potential of his improving jet pack technology. But while it has been possible to buy in Selfridges for some time, with use only recommended over water, it has been hard to see much practical application for a jet suit, at this stage.
But Mr Browning, an ex-marine, has always seen potential applications of his jet pack technology in the military and emergency services, as well as for leisure. As the invention continues to be refined to offer the wearer better control and manage longer flight distances, commercial applications are also moving closer. The jet pack could potentially be used by the Great North Air Ambulance Service for Lake District mountain rescues by as early as next year.
During the trial, Mr Browning flew up Langdale Pike to hunt for walkers who were role-playing casualties. He located them within a few minutes, when a search on foot would have taken more than an hour, even if the walkers were found without any issues, which is less sure from a ground-level view. The jet suit would allow a rescuer to fly to Helvellyn, England’s third highest peak at 950m above sea level, in around 8 minutes.
The GNAAS emphasised the well-publicised mission was a test flight but it is hoped that after some additional modifications are made to the jet suit, it could be in use by the rescue service by as early as next summer.
Rescuers flying up a hillside in a jet suit might sound like a recipe for disaster, leading to additional casualties needing rescued on top of the original problem. But Mr Browning assures that by keeping flight to heights of between 10 and 20 feet, it is relatively safe to use the jet suit over land. In the worst possible scenario, a medic would recover from such a fall.
Andy Mawson, the GNAAS’s director of operations commented on the technology’s potential:
“From personal experience I know that carrying medical kit up the side of a mountain in the Lakes is so difficult. We are not talking about big distances but we are talking about steep gradients. But with a rapid-response car and this jet suit we are going to see a sea change in the way we deliver remote medicine.”
At present, the jet pack can only fly for around five minutes at a time, though that is being gradually extend. But even with that limited range, a rescue that would take 25 minutes on foot could be achieved in just 90 seconds.
Mr Browning explains:
“The suit works by using micro jet engines, which are pretty much the same things that we see on jet aircraft. The manoeuvrability comes down to your own co-ordination. It is very safe, you only go to a height where if you fell you would be able to recover.”
The £340,000 cost of one of Gravity’s jet suits might be an issue for cash strapped emergency services but the company says it is looking into being able to offer lease arrangements.