A fluid jet apparatus includes a body having a fluid flow path defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A thrust device is mounted within the fluid flow path to direct in use a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the fluid flow path includes a duct. The thrust device includes a propeller mounted within the duct. The apparatus further includes a plate spaced from the fluid inlet defining a space therebetween. A plurality of elongate pivotable vanes is positioned in a generally circular orientation in the space and about the axis of the flow path and with their pivoting axes aligned with the axis of the flow path. The thrust device is adapted to rotate in a direction opposite the direction of flow of fluid through the vanes into the space.