It’s not usually regarded as the most exciting job, but one postman has spiced up his delivery thanks to a jet-powered suit.
British inventor Richard Browning donned an Iron Man -like suit to fly a letter 1.3km from Hampshire to the Isle of Wight this week - over open water.
The incredible feat was inspired by German entrepreneur Gerhard Zucker, who tried to send post by rocket to the Isle of Wight in 1934.
While Mr Zucker’s attempt failed, Mr Browning’s flight was a resounding success.
Mr Browning’s suit contains five turbines that run of jet fuel, giving him more than 1,000 brake horsepower.
Speaking to BBC’s Inside Out South , Mr Browning said: “I suppose a rocket that you’re not attached to that’s just going to do its thing is one thing. But when you’re actually in the middle of a jet engine-powered suit that’s a different kettle of fish.”
During the flight, Mr Browning lifted-off at from Hurst Castle in Lymington, before launching out over the water, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles/hour.
Thankfully his 1.3km journey went without a hitch, and he touched down at Fort Albert in Freshwater in just 75 seconds.
Mr Browning said: “When you’re dealing with technology you never quite know, but yeah, that was great.”
The flight comes shortly after French inventor Franky Zapata became the first person in history to successfully cross the English Channel on a kerosene-powered board.
Mr Zapata, 40, started his journey from Sangatte beach, in Calais, at 7.16am on Sunday travelling 35 kilometres across the channel to the White Cliffs of Dover.
Dozens of spectators cheered him on including his wife, Kystal, in his second attempt at the magnificent feat.
Many were heard shouting ‘Allez le Flying Frenchman!’ and ‘Go Franky, go!’, as the inventor took to the skies resembling Marty McFly from "Back to the Future" films.
Just 23 minutes later, Mr Zapata landed at St Margaret's Bay in Kent saying: "Frankly, this feels magnificent!"
