Aviation Company Creates Jet Suit for Emergencies

Aviation company Gravity Industries has created a jet suit that paramedics can use for emergencies in remote areas. The company developed the jet suit in collaboration with the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). The jet suit was created using 3D printed parts, specialist electronics, and jet motors. It has a top speed of 129 kph and can reach an altitude of around 3.7 kilometers. According to GNAAS director Andy Mawson, the jet suit may significantly shorten paramedics’ travel time to reach patients in remote areas. He said the technology can help mitigate a patient’s suffering and even save lives in some cases. Gravity Industries founder Richard Browning carried out the first flight test of the jet suit at the Langdale Pikes, where some of the country’s highest peaks are located. Mawson chose the test site based on an analysis of emergency calls, which showed that the region’s geographical features make it difficult to get medical help for climbing-related injuries. The test involved Browning flying from the bottom of the valley to a simulated casualty site high above. Browning reached the location in just 90 seconds, a huge advantage for emergency responders who could immediately assess injuries and provide treatment to patients. Without the jet suit, it would take emergency responders 25 minutes to get to the site. Currently, the suit costs around $440,000 and requires special training to operate safely. GNAAS is making some adjustments to it so it can be ready for use in real emergencies by summer next year. The company also said it is working on extending the jet suit’s flight time.