Personal flight devices have been in development for years, but this is the first known time that people will be racing each other in them. The event will take place on Feb. 28 in Dubai as part of the Dubai Boat Show. Eight pilots will race between Dubai Harbor and Skydive Dubai in jet suits from Gravity.
Gravity’s suits use turbines to fly — one large one integrated with the fuel tank backpack and four smaller ones, two on each of the pilot’s arms. The race will be a circuit, and the suits will be modified for buoyancy in case anyone goes into the water.
“Our Gravity Race Series promises even more visceral excitement and drama than Formula One,” said Gravity founder Richard Browning. “We will not be satisfied with organizing a flying and racing display only; we also seek to increase the intensity of competition and excitement in the event through the flight path that includes challenges for the competitors that require maneuverability, accuracy and flight speed to determine the four best competitors who will then vie for the top three places and take the podium.”
