'Real-Life Iron Man' Blasts Through Royal Marines Assault Course

Ex-Royal Marines Reservist Richard Browning flew a 1000bhp jet suit around the Royal Marines’ infamous bottom field assault course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

Scores of fellow commandos watched the 39-year-old effortlessly overcome obstacles which are typically used to drill fitness into civilians as they are transformed into elite troops.

Nicknamed the ‘real-life Iron Man’, he tackled the assault course in no time with the help of his jet suit, as part of a visit to the training base where he was once a trainee himself.

“Royal Marines are sometimes called ‘supermen’ for their achievements, but even we stop short at the ability to fly,” said Royal Marines Captain Oliver Mason.

“Watching Richard float, fly and hover around the assault course was a very impressive, surreal experience.

Richard was also invited to witness a King’s Squad passing out parade – the graduation of the most senior troop of Royal Marines recruits.

Richard, the founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries, said: “It’s been at least a decade since I was last at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, when I was being awarded my coveted green beret.

“Imagine what we could do with these suits on the battlefield – although Royal Marines pride themselves on being stealthy and one thing the jet pack isn’t is quiet.”

“It is an absolute honour to be invited as a guest at the King’s Squad passout parade, but to be back tackling that assault course with one of our jet suits is a day I won’t ever forget.”

The jet suit uses five engines to generate 1000bhp and can cruise at speeds of more than 50mph.