AN EX-ROYAL Marine has invented and showcased a futuristic rocket-fuelled suit that can travel over 50 mph and could be used in combat.
Richard Browning, 39, hovered six feet above the ground and flew around one of the toughest assault courses in the military on a rocket-fuelled suit he made. Nicknamed the “real-life Iron Man”, Mr Browning managed to manoeuvre his way around obstacles used to test new recruits. The extraordinary display took place at the Commando Training Centre in Devon.
The groundbreaking suit uses five engines that can generate 1,000bhp.
As a result, it can carry people at more than 50mph.
Mr Browning, founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries, was congratulated by top military brass.
Britain’s first flying soldier was made possible by two mini engines strapped to each of his arms.
He wowed onlookers who assembled at the high-security military base to test the rocket-propelled flying suit.
The Ex-Royal Marines Reservist said the suit could be used in combat.
He said: ”It’s been at least a decade since I was last at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, when I was being awarded my coveted green beret.
“It is an absolute honour to be invited as a guest at the King’s Squad passout parade, but to be back tackling that assault course with one of our jet suits is a day I won’t ever forget.”
Captain Oliver Mason said: “Royal Marines are sometimes called ‘supermen’ for their achievements, but even we stop short at the ability to fly.
“Watching Richard float, fly and hover around the assault course was a very impressive, surreal experience.
“Imagine what we could do with these suits on the battlefield – although Royal Marines pride themselves on being stealthy and one thing the jet pack isn’t is quiet.”
The inventor added: “I spent time in the US with their Navy Seals, for some experimental training purposes and then with some South East Asian special forces too,” he said.
“I was honoured to go back to the Royal Marines. Being there 12 years ago taught me a lot about the limits of the human body and how you can re-programme your brain to see what is possible.”
Colonel Mike Tanner, the Commandant of the Commando Training Centre, said: “I was delighted to welcome Richard and his Gravity team to test his latest jet suit on our assault course.
“His endeavour to create this jet suit over two years is emblematic of the Commando mindset.
“I think it’s fair to say we all wanted a go!”
A Ministry of Defence Spokesperson said: “We are always working with the brightest minds in Britain and across the world to see how emerging technology might support our military to keep them safe and give them the edge in the future.”
