4 November 2024
+VIDEO If you watched any of the recent America’s Cup yacht races, you’ll know that foil technology has changed the sport of top level sailing, increasing speeds to unheard-of levels. Now wingsuit flying has adopted the foil – and the results are just as startling.
Austrian wingsuit pilot Peter Salzmann has set several records for flight time and distance flown with his innovative wingsuit foil.
Peter leapt off the top of Switzerland’s 4,063 metres high Jungfrau mountain to fly without engine propulsion for nearly six minutes. He covered a distance of 12.5 kilometres that included an altitude difference of 3,402m, and set world records for Longest BASE Flight Time, Furthest BASE Flight Distance, and Biggest BASE Jump from start to landing. At times he was travelling at 200km/h (120mph).
The foil can be clearly seen, adding to the wingsuit’s performance. Photos: Red Bull
Peter’s wingsuit foil, developed with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, resembles a hydrofoil with a 2.1-metre wing and features a lightweight (5.45kg) design, improving glide efficiency and lift. The design nearly doubles the typical wingsuit glide ratio.
Salzmann said afterwards, “The wingsuit foil flight today was just like out of space. It was a really challenging flight. It was a true challenge – it was super exhausting, but also the best feeling in between.”
