The first skydiving wind tunnel, capable of sustaining human flight, was erected at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1943. However, officials were unaware that it was capable of sustaining human flight until 1964. This was originally used to train paratroopers in the Army. Later, the Golden Knights, the Department of Defense’s demonstration team also began using the tunnel to train new members.
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving constructed the first skydiving wind tunnel for civilian use in 1982. Two tunnels were erected, one in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These indoor skydiving wind tunnels are still in use today, and many more locations across the country have opened so as to offer the thrill of human flight to thousands nationwide.
How It Works
A skydiving wind tunnel propels the body of the “skydiver” vertically through the shaft, with the use of wind generated by powerful fans that can produce winds of up to 120 miles per hour. Using their arms and legs as rudders to control their position in the tunnel, indoor skydivers are able to experience the thrill of human flight with little, or even no, experience.
A skydiving wind tunnel, otherwise known as an indoor skydiving tunnel, can be used safely by anyone who weighs more than 40 pounds. Many facilities place weight and height restrictions so as to further ensure the safety of their customers.
History
Francis Herbert Wenham, a Council Member of the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, invented the first enclosed vertical wind tunnel in 1871. Although not capable of sustaining human flight like our current skydiving wind tunnel, Wenham’s invention served as the basis for modern technology.
Prior to the use of the vertical wind tunnel at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio as a skydiving wind tunnel, it was used to test parachutes and spin test model airplanes. In 1964 Jack Tiffany, a skydiver and parachute tester for the Pioneer Parachute Company, decided to see if the tunnel would sustain a human being. It did, and the sport of indoor skydiving was born. It would be another 18 years before the first skydiving wind tunnel was constructed for civilian use; but the tunnel at Wright Patterson began being used immediately to train paratroopers in the United States Army.
Whether you’re new to skydiving, or you’ve got a thousand jumps under your belt, an indoor skydiving wind tunnel is a safe way for you and your whole family to experience the thrill of flying.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Choosing The Right Skydiving Suits
Experienced skydivers know that their skydiving suits are just as important to their jump as the parachutes. No two skydivers are built alike, so skydiving suits must typically be made to order, and tailored specifically to your particular body type. Without the right fit of suit, your freefall jump could be seriously affected.
Because skydiving suits should be tailored to the individual differences of each skydiver, it is generally not a wise idea to purchase these suits through online mass producers, unless you have a local shop that can tailor it to your body. Generally, online suppliers that specialize in skydiving suits offer specific ordering guidelines, so as to ensure a good fit.
Materials
Different skydiving suits are made up of different types of materials. The types of jumping you do will greatly affect the type of material you will want to have for your suit. Each different type of fabric used will create different air drag on the suit, and will affect the type of jumping you are doing accordingly. The most common materials used in skydiving suits are nylon, spandex, polyester, and cotton.
Types Of Suits
There are two basic categories of skydiving suits: freeflying suits, and RW (formation flying) jumping suits. Freeflying suits are typically used by more experienced jumpers who are advanced enough to attempt aerial acrobatics, sit flying (sitting down cross-legged in mid air), or head down flying (pointed headfirst toward the ground). Recreational style suits are used by recreational and competition jumpers, who spend more time belly flying (flat falling on your stomach) than freeflying.
Freeflying suits are typically made of lighter materials, so as to create less drag, and allow for more freedom of movement. Freeflying skydiving suits tend to consist of mostly cotton and polyester blends. RW suits, on the other hand, generally consist of denser fabrics, such as spandex and nylon, so as to allow for greater drag and lift, as well as for durability where grips are attached.
There’s no one-size fit all when it comes to skydiving suits. Each jumper must use his or her own judgment and experience to find the best suit for their particular style of jumping. Just remember to always try on your suit before you jump, so that you can ensure a proper fit. Jumping without the proper suit could be just as dangerous as jumping without a proper parachute. If you are new to skydiving, ask the advice of an experienced jumper to learn which of the skydiving suits would be best for you.
Because skydiving suits should be tailored to the individual differences of each skydiver, it is generally not a wise idea to purchase these suits through online mass producers, unless you have a local shop that can tailor it to your body. Generally, online suppliers that specialize in skydiving suits offer specific ordering guidelines, so as to ensure a good fit.
Materials
Different skydiving suits are made up of different types of materials. The types of jumping you do will greatly affect the type of material you will want to have for your suit. Each different type of fabric used will create different air drag on the suit, and will affect the type of jumping you are doing accordingly. The most common materials used in skydiving suits are nylon, spandex, polyester, and cotton.
Types Of Suits
There are two basic categories of skydiving suits: freeflying suits, and RW (formation flying) jumping suits. Freeflying suits are typically used by more experienced jumpers who are advanced enough to attempt aerial acrobatics, sit flying (sitting down cross-legged in mid air), or head down flying (pointed headfirst toward the ground). Recreational style suits are used by recreational and competition jumpers, who spend more time belly flying (flat falling on your stomach) than freeflying.
Freeflying suits are typically made of lighter materials, so as to create less drag, and allow for more freedom of movement. Freeflying skydiving suits tend to consist of mostly cotton and polyester blends. RW suits, on the other hand, generally consist of denser fabrics, such as spandex and nylon, so as to allow for greater drag and lift, as well as for durability where grips are attached.
There’s no one-size fit all when it comes to skydiving suits. Each jumper must use his or her own judgment and experience to find the best suit for their particular style of jumping. Just remember to always try on your suit before you jump, so that you can ensure a proper fit. Jumping without the proper suit could be just as dangerous as jumping without a proper parachute. If you are new to skydiving, ask the advice of an experienced jumper to learn which of the skydiving suits would be best for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)