Real-Life "Iron Man" Sets World Record for Fastest Speed in a Body-Controlled, Jet Engine-Powered Suit

Richard Browning and his flying suit Daedalus have set a new Guinness World Record for fastest speed in a body-controlled jet engine power suit. You might remember Browning from when he first showed off his replica Iron Man suit early on in the year. Well, thanks to some serious investment the homemade flying contraption has undergone some serious refinement and the new suit managed to propel Browning at a top speed of about 50 kmh above a lake in Reading, England.

Browning’s initial version of the suit cost him about $50,000 USD to build. Since those relatively humble beginnings, Browning in conjunction with his company, Gravity have managed to attract more than $650,000 worth of investments. The record-breaking time was set in front of official Guinness World Record officials. Browning described the experience saying, "It is a very special moment every time we suit up, it's about 45 kilos, you really know you're about to do something as the engine starts pulling 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 to joy." He went on to describe her plans for the suit which include adding wings. The wings should be able to extend the duration of the flight as well as reduce fuel use. Watch the video to see the record-breaking flight as well as a test run that ends in a swim.