Iron Man’s high-flying ability isn’t just the stuff of superhero movies anymore. A British company called Gravity Industries recently showed off this space-age jet suit in Chicago, Illinois—and other companies are developing similar technology.
While wearing the jet suit, users can fly as fast as 80 miles an hour and soar up to 12,000 feet. (So far, the jet suit has been flown at low heights for safety purposes.) The device is powered by five jet engines and weighs about 75 pounds when loaded with fuel.
The jet suit is out of reach for many people—it sells for about $400,000. But experts say its use could take off in certain areas, such as the medical field.
The device is undergoing testing in the United Kingdom to see whether paramedics wearing it can reach patients faster than emergency vehicles. The British military is also exploring ways to use the jet suit to outmaneuver enemies. Now that’s something Iron Man would appreciate!