Navy

Jet-Powered 'Rocket Man' Flies With Royal Navy

A Royal Navy patrol vessel has joined forces with a technology firm to trial the flight capabilities of a jet-powered bodysuit at sea.

HMS Dasher, a P2000 patrol boat, was used as a launch-platform to test the maritime capabilities of the suit created by Gravity Industries.

Three test flights from the P2000 took place in the Solent, which hit speeds of 20 knots and performed a variety of different manoeuvres.

Richard Browning, Chief Test Pilot for the firm and a former Royal Marine reservist, circled the vessel and landed successfully, saying he was pleased with "another milestone" it the development of the kit.

The demonstration boosted the concept of the suit in a military environment, with potential for future launches from larger ships.

Rocket Man landing with HMS Dasher (Picture: Royal Navy).

Rocket Man takes flight alongside the vessel (Picture: Royal Navy).

The pilot aboard the P2000 (Picture: Royal Navy).

Drone footage capture the trial (Picture: Royal Navy).

P2000s are designed as fast patrol boats, and a small landing offered a small target for both parties.

Commander Milly Ingham, Commander of the 1st Patrol Boat Squadron, said: "The Royal Navy has been at the leading edge of technology in defence for hundreds of years.

"We continue to explore new ideas and concepts and push the boundaries of Maritime Warfare.

"The Ship’s Company very much enjoyed seeing the 'rocket man' in action."