It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but the idea of propulsion boots it real. Created by Patriot3 and adopted by special forces, Navy SEAL jet boots allow users to move easily through water, saving time and energy.
How does this technology work, though, and what are its applications? Can it be used for civilian purposes or is it strictly a military technology?
We'll answer those questions and others in this article.
What are Jet Boots?
The term 'jet boots' isn't very accurate, because the 'boots' actually attach to your waist via a belt. The propulsion systems hang from the belt and attach to a person's legs near the knee.
These propulsion devices create force and push the wearer through the water, thus saving much of the energy that would otherwise be used up by swimming. This is a major breakthrough because it's not unheard of for a Navy SEAL to be underwater for hours and to swim for miles to complete a mission. With that much activity, even the most in-shape run the risk of physical exhaustion, which can reduce concentration and even lead to injuries.
The Science Behind Jet Boots
Though jet boots may seem like something futuristic, the science behind them isn't very complicated. They're powered by a motor, which is, in turn, powered by a rechargeable battery.
The system uses a brushless motor, which means that it uses electricity to switch between direct and alternating currents, whereas other engines use a brush.
The whole device weighs roughly 25 pounds, which is light compared to the 100 or more pounds carried by the typical combat soldier. Add this to the fact that lifting things underwater is easier and that the 'boots' are doing the work for you.
Military and Civilian Use
Jet boots have proven themselves in the military, but what about in everyday life? Can a civilian get their hands on a pair of jet boots? More often than not, the answer is no.
The reason jet boots are exclusive to the military is mostly because of the costs. Jet boots currently have a price of tens of thousands of dollars. The good news is that there are plans to make a version for the civilian market with a far lower price tag, so if you're a retired SEAL who wants to become a civilian diver, you might still be able to get a pair.
It will take some time before the average citizen can buy jet boots since even the civilian versions are expected to cost a few thousand dollars.
Navy SEAL Jet Boots: What They Are And How They Work
Navy SEAL jet boots are among the most recent technologies in the US military. We've discussed these boots and how they work in this article, but there's only so much we can cover in one article. Plus, given the sensitive subject matter, there might be things we never know about them.
If you want to know more of what we do know about the Navy SEALs, please visit our site. We can tell you about what the Navy SEAL Foundation is doing to reduce veteran suicides.