The green forces in the Netherlands are currently showing themselves to be innovative. However, it is not politicians who are involved in the power struggle, but soldiers from the Corps Mariniers, the Dutch equivalent of the German naval battalion. The past few months have been futuristic, as a completely new piece of equipment has had to prove itself in initial tests: the Gravity Jet Suit. This consists of two gloves, each with two small jet engines attached. The pilot carries another jet engine, technology and fuel in a larger rucksack. The aircraft is steered using the arms and body movements. The pilot controls speed and altitude with the aid of a throttle lever. The overall package allows the soldier to easily overcome obstacles or quickly cover a short distance. It can even be used to get to places that were previously difficult to reach. According to Major Mark Haasdijk from the Mariniers Corps, the jet suit can be operated intuitively after a short time: "We took our first small steps by flying a short distance at low power. It's a question of finding the balance in the air. It was easier than you might think."
Possible dangers were discussed with safety inspectors before the tests. In addition, the aircraft was only flown at low altitude. The Corps Mariniers tested the Gravity Jet Suit in various situations, including during boarding. A cargo ship was approached from an RHIB without any problems and within seconds. Tactical use of the jet suit in rescue operations is also conceivable. The results are now being discussed and analysed within the team. Ideas will be put on the table as to which missions the mariners can carry out with the new technology.
Exercises in the harbour basin
The British manufacturer of the gadget also sees civilian applications and is even considering a racing series. A short video showing a simulated boarding mission on a merchant ship shows that the Gravity Jet Suit is not just a toy. It was filmed on the approach to Rotterdam harbour on the Oude Maas with soldiers from the Corps Mariniers. Cool!
Link to the video on YouTube:
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