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British man breaks world record in 'Iron Man' jet engine suit

A British man has set a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed in a body-controlled jet engi...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.58 9 Nov 2017


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British man breaks world recor...

British man breaks world record in 'Iron Man' jet engine suit

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.58 9 Nov 2017


Share this article


A British man has set a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed in a body-controlled jet engine power suit.

Richard Browning, the founder and chief test pilot of British tech company Gravity Industries reached a speed of 32.02 miles per hour (51.5 km/h) on his third attempt at Lagoona Park in Reading, England.

He then mis-timed a turn and dropped into the lake.

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Adjudicator Pravin Patel from Guinness World Records was on hand to make sure that Browning's speed was measured accurately over at least 100 metres.

The "Iron Man" suit is made up of six kerosene-fuelled micro gas turbines, which each have 22kg of thrust.

It is controlled solely by body movement so Browning had to practice core strength exercises before his record attempt so he was able to balance in the air.

Mr Browning told Reuters: "It's a very special moment every time we suit up, it's about 45 kilos so you really know your'e about to go and do something.

"As the engine starts fuelling up it starts to build, you can sense the energy.

"And the moment the ground leaves your feet and you're actually in the air, it's a pleasure and a joy."

Mr Browning's feat came as scores of other records were smashed as part of Guinness World Record Day.

In the US, a Harlem Globetrotters player broke the record for the highest upward basketball shot - 15.26m or 50ft.

The largest vegan cake was made in Sweden and the largest hula hoops were spun in Japan.


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