The UK’s Royal Marines have tested the use of Gravity Industries jet suit for maritime boarding operations to help assess if it is suitable for military use.
During the trial the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tamar and Royal Marines from Plymouth-based 42 and 47 Commando worked with Gravity Industries to understand
The jet suits were used by pilots from Gravity Industries during the trial in Plymouth Sound.
Marines are currently deployed on Royal Navy ships around the world and are deployed in terrorist takedowns and anti-smuggling and piracy operations around the world.
The trial looked at the utility of the jet suit in maritime boarding operations and the specialist vertical access techniques associated to them.
The trials concluded that the kit is not ready just yet for military adoption.
Lieutenant Colonel Will Clarke RM, the trial sponsor said, “The flight suit technology tested in this trial allowed the Commando Force to experiment with innovative methods of conducting maritime interdiction operations, and to gain insights into its potential to enable vertical access in the complex urban-littoral environment.”
“Whilst the technology may not be ready for military adoption just now, it shows significant promise and we will watch its development with continued interest.
Gravity’s jet suit is covered under general aviation by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, so there is no requirement for a formal license to fly it. It has been available to buy since July 2018, but has not yet found applications outside of enthusiasts and air shows.
Last October it was shown being tested for use in mountain rescue operations.
The company has also previously discussed its intention to hold jet suit races as a spectator sport.
