Jet Suit Race

TRANSCRIPT
Jet Suit Race

NARRATOR:
Flying fast above the water, eight pilots wearing Jet Suits are taking part in a new kind of race in Dubai. They fly in pairs and must avoid obstacles. It’s being called the world’s first Jet Suit race. The event was created by Gravity Industries, a company that designs and tests Jet Suits, together with the Dubai Sports Council.

SOUNDBITE – Richard Browning:
"This is going to consist of bringing together a bunch of guys and gals, including UAE pilots, who are going to push the limits of human and machine technology using our 1500 horsepower Jet Suits flying around an obstacle course over water.”

NARRATOR:
These Jet Suits are very powerful and very fast. Each one has 1500 horsepower – that’s more than most sports cars. 

SOUNDBITE – Rowan Poulter:
"It's absolutely incredible to be flying the first ever race, it's a world first. Like how incredible is that.”

NARRATOR:
Jet Suits were first launched in 2017. Now, they can fly faster than 80 miles per hour, and they fly over different types of land. The winner of the race, Issa Khalfon, explains what it feels like.

SOUNDBITE – Issa Khalfon:
"Like nothing you've ever done before. The feeling of doing this your first time is so alien. It's so unlike anything you've ever done. You just can't describe it. But it's so freeing. I describe it almost like a bird, you know? You just see them just going wherever they want it. It feels so fluid and natural and free. It's just unbelievable."

NARRATOR:
The Jet Suit uses five small jet engines to lift the pilot off the ground. The pilot moves their body to control the direction. It can use jet fuel, diesel or even biofuel to fly. Jet Suit racing might be new, but it shows what can happen when people mix adventure and technology.