Jet Suit Makes Human Flight Real

A Flight System You Wear, Not Board

The idea of flying without an aircraft—just your own body and a compact machine—is now technically possible. Gravity Industries has developed a jet suit powered by air propulsion that allows a trained user to lift off from the ground, hover, and maneuver in midair using their arms for control.

The suit doesn’t rely on wings or rotors. It’s made up of miniature jet turbines worn on the arms and back, producing enough thrust to support bodyweight flight for short durations. It’s a flight system you wear, not board.

Components and Operation

Each jet suit includes:

• Five micro gas turbines, generating over 1,000 horsepower

• A wearable frame and harness to distribute thrust

• Jet fuel or diesel-based propulsion system

• Protective equipment, including flame-resistant gear and a helmet

• A heads-up display (HUD) to monitor speed, altitude, and fuel levels

The turbines on the arms allow the pilot to vector thrust by moving their limbs. This movement-based control makes the experience less like steering a vehicle and more like balancing on skis or a surfboard—physical, intuitive, and highly dependent on skill.

Use Cases in Testing

The jet suit isn’t meant for everyday transportation, but it’s being explored for specialized use. Emergency responders have tested it in mountain rescue simulations. Military teams have evaluated it for rapid mobility across challenging terrain. Its size and maneuverability make it a candidate for reaching places where vehicles and helicopters cannot easily go.

Outside operational use, it has become a fixture in engineering and STEM education, helping illustrate principles of thrust, balance, and mechanical design.

The 2024 Jet Suit Race Series

In 2024, Gravity Industries launched the world’s first Jet Suit Race Series—a live competitive format where pilots race head-to-head using jet suits over water-based circuits. These events take place in open settings such as harbors and lakes, with clear visibility and built-in safety margins.

• Each pilot navigates an aerial course defined by floating markers or virtual checkpoints

• Speeds can exceed 80 mph in straight paths, though races focus on control and precision

• The format is built for live audiences, streaming, and short-form video

• It borrows elements from motorsports, but adapted to body-controlled flight

The Race Series presents human flight not just as technology, but as performance—melding engineering, athleticism, and competition.

Performance and Limitations

While visually impressive, the jet suit has clear operational limits:

• Flight time: Roughly 5 to 7 minutes per tank

• Fuel: Jet A1 or standard diesel

• Top speed: Over 80 mph in test conditions

• Altitude: Has reached over 10,000 feet, though most flights stay under 50 feet for safety

• System weight: ~30 kg (not including fuel)

Training is essential. First-time pilots begin in tethered environments, and learning to hover requires both physical conditioning and practice. Gravity Industries currently certifies pilots through internal programs only.

Visibility and Public Use

Since its debut in 2017, the jet suit has been demonstrated at more than 100 global events. It has appeared on platforms like BBC, CNN, CNBC, Wired, and Sky News, and continues to draw interest from media, science institutions, and tech audiences.

At this time, the jet suit is not available for personal sale or public transport use. Its flight operations remain tightly managed, with safety, regulation, and training at the forefront.