Pilots dressed as "Iron Man" take part in the world's first Jet Suit race in Dubai.
Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), famous for the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, on February 28 held the world's first Jet Suit Race at Dubai Harbor.
Jet racing in Dubai on February 28. Video : AP
The event was organized by Gravity Industries, a pioneer in jet suits, in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. Eight people competed in pairs to reach the finals, most of whom were Gravity Industries pilots.
"The male and female athletes, including a UAE pilot, will push the technological limits of man and machine by using 1,500 horsepower armor to fly around obstacles on the water, creating a real-life superhero movie scene," said Richard Browning, founder of Gravity Industries.
Racers in Dubai on February 28. Photo: AP
The suit is equipped with five gas turbine jet engines, allowing vertical takeoff and landing, using jet fuel, diesel or biofuel. According to the organizers, the Jet Suit was first introduced in 2017 and can now reach speeds of 128 km/h, capable of flying over most terrain.
"The first time I flew it was a very strange feeling, unlike anything I've ever done before, indescribable. But it was very freeing," said Issa Khalfon, the winning British pilot.
British pilot Issa Kalfon (center) holds up his trophy after winning the Jet Suit race in Dubai on February 28. Photo: AP
"It's amazing to watch them compete in Dubai, to see them flying over the water," said Jennifer Ross, 50, a US citizen living in Dubai. "They're like astronauts flying through the air."
The audience watched intently, some eager to try out this new technology.
"We are seeing the most amazing show in Dubai. People are flying, actually flying in the sky," said Pratik Vyas, 35, an Indian who works for an import business. "This is futuristic technology. It's really cool if you're an Iron Man fan."
Hong Hanh (According to Reuters/ AP )
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