Hearing the Gravity Story at the Bike Shed in London
Back in 2021, we we’re excited to visit the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club (aka BSMC), a unique venue that blends motorcycle culture with a stylish social space, attracting riders and non-riders alike, to hear how British technology company, Gravity Industries came to be.
© Images by Hiatus.Design
The story was really fascinating. Founded in 2017 by Richard Browning, a former Royal Marine Reservist and oil trader, Gravity Industries is a tech company dedicated to redefining human flight through the development of jet-powered suits like something out of a Hollywood movie, that push the boundaries of personal aviation and inspire innovation in the process.
Browning's vision was born out of a fascination with aeronautics, human performance, and engineering, leading him to experiment with miniature jet engines to create a system that would allow a person to take flight using only their own body movements for control.
The company's flagship product, the Gravity Jet Suit, is a remarkable piece of engineering that uses five gas turbines, two mounted on each arm and one on the back, generating over 1,000 horsepower. This allows pilots to achieve speeds exceeding 30 mph and altitudes of several thousand feet, though most demonstrations and practical applications keep the flight at a lower level for safety. The intuitive design of the suit enables the wearer to control movement through subtle shifts in body position, making it a dynamic and immersive flight experience. The suit has been showcased at over 105 live events in 31 countries, drawing global attention for its groundbreaking capabilities.
Beyond being a technological marvel, the Gravity Jet Suit has potential applications across multiple industries.
The military has expressed interest in using the technology for rapid personnel deployment, special operations, and reconnaissance. Search and rescue teams are also exploring how the suit could help reach inaccessible areas more quickly in emergency situations. In addition to these practical applications, Gravity Industries is working towards establishing an international race series, where pilots would compete in high-speed, low-altitude courses to demonstrate the agility and potential of personal flight.
If you’ve not visited it before, the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club in is a really unique place. Founded in 2011 by Dutch and Vikki van Someren, The Bike Shed started as a blog and an annual custom motorcycle show before evolving into a full-scale club, restaurant, retail space, and events venue.
The venue features a restaurant and bar, serving high-quality food and drinks in a relaxed setting where guests can dine alongside stunning custom-built motorcycles. A barbershop and tattoo parlour add to the experience, reinforcing the club’s creative and rebellious spirit. There's also a retail store selling premium motorcycle gear, clothing, and accessories. Unlike many bike-themed establishments, The Bike Shed is not just for riders, it welcomes everyone, whether they ride or not, making it a hub for creativity, design, and socialising.
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