If you thought that shooting across the sky like some sort of superhero was only meant for action-packed movies in a futuristic world, then buckle up. Because not only do we have Iron Man capabilities, the next logical step is to use them to outrace each other.
The man behind this insane project is Richard Browning, who began this project three years ago with a dream much like the Wright brothers. Browning wanted to fly.
What started out with a pair of basic wings and electric fans has grown into a fully-fledged breakthrough for human-centric flight. When his research and funding improved, the next logical step was to strap a jet engine to his body.
While sounding crazy, the addition worked and the inventor achieved lift-off and hovered several feet off the ground before returning from his short-lived flight. "That was the very first moment we properly proved this would work," he said. "That was it. You could get away with it."
Now, the technology has advanced to such a degree that large companies and the military are beginning to sponsor his work to help him do incredible things.
The latest version of this jet suit is nicknamed 'Daedalus', after the Greek myth of a man and son attempting to fly.
It holds six gas-powered turbines, with a combined thrust of 286 pounds. He recently added a heads-up display donated by Sony so that he can check the machines readings inside his helmet.
In the latest test, Browning set a new world record for jet suit speed on Guinness World Records Day. 'Daedalus' was able to reach speeds of 32 mph, flying around a park nearby his house.
While it is exciting to work on, Browning recognizes that there won't be an everyday use for the technology for some time. But there are other ways the suit could be used.
"In theory, you could have first responders with this equipment easily go a couple of miles quite low to the ground and get over any obstacle you want," says Browning.
