In what must rank as the most dangerous and bizarre aerial stunt ever performed, two pilots will fly their aircraft to a predetermined height together, jump out of their planes and leave them unmanned, then attempt to parachute into each other's aircraft on the way down.
The complete stunt, set down for April 24 in the skies over California, will be televised live.
Advertisement
Hours of research and development have gone into the plane modifications required to ensure the feat is possible.
Aeronautical engineer Dr Paulo Iscold has partnered with pilots Luke Aikins and Andy Farrington to develop a methodology to hold the planes, a pair of Cessna 182s, in a controlled vertical descent - the exact opposite of how autopilot systems are designed to function.
A purpose-built airbrake system has been installed in the belly of each aircraft to control aerodynamic stability. Once engaged, it will ensure the planes maintain what was described as a "relatively controlled terminal velocity" in a nosedive that closely matches the speed of the skydivers' descent.
The pilots will climb their Cessnas to 14,000 feet, stop the engines, and then engage the airbrake at 225km/h.
The pilots will then exit their respective aircraft and skydive into each other's planes, crossing over each other mid-air, and regain control - all in less than one minute.
Aikins, who has previously jumped from an aircraft without a parachute or wingsuit at an altitude of 25,000 feet (7620m) and successfully landed in a net, watched by a live audience, said the plane swap stunt would be the pinnacle of his career.
"My goal is to inspire the world and show that anything is possible," he said.
"You can set your mind on something that at times seems wild, crazy and unattainable, but through ambition and creativity, you can make it happen."
In 2012, he was the skydiving consultant on the ground-breaking project that saw Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner break records when he took a supersonic space-jump to earth from the stratosphere using a helium balloon.
His partner in this stunt, Andy Farrington, is an accomplished pilot with 6000 flight hours logged and boasting more than 27,000 skydives and 1500 BASE jumps.
Millions of people around the world are expected to watch the stunt live through the Red Bull app.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
Peter Brewer
Telling the truth and holding agencies accountable must matter to us all. It's also important to tell the story well, and factually. Contact me at peter.brewer@canberratimes.com.au
Telling the truth and holding agencies accountable must matter to us all. It's also important to tell the story well, and factually. Contact me at peter.brewer@canberratimes.com.au
