Because people are incredible and have to push the boundaries of what’s possibleOpens in a new tab all the time, wingsuit diving using an electric wingsuit is now a thing. Or at least it is for professional BASE jumper Peter SalzmannOpens in a new tab, who recently used the world’s first electric wingsuit in a maiden run above the Austrian Alps. One that saw him top out at a speed of 186 mph.
Guinness World RecordsOpens in a new tab recently posted the above video showcasing Salzman’s maiden voyage. As well as some background on the incredible daredevil. As the video shows, the Austrian BASE jumper began his career at a young age. First, he jumped off the roof of his home before taking to skydiving and, finally, wingsuit diving.
For the electric wingsuit, Salzman teamed up with BMW’s “BMI i” sub-brand, which manufactures the carmakers’ plug-in electric vehicles. Globetrender reportsOpens in a new tab that two electrified carbon impellers—or rotors used to increase the pressure of the air passing through them—gave Salzmann a speed and altitude boost. One that allowed him to soar above the “Three Brothers” mountain peak in Austria. And fly at roughly three times the standard top, horizontal speed wingsuit divers achieve.
Globetrender, the UK’s leading travel trend forecasting agency, says the electric wingsuit dive will create “incredible new opportunities in daredevil” air sports. The outlet also notes the flight will encourage “pay for peril” adventure tourism. Which makes us wonder: Are there really people out there doing this on a whim? At least start with the Red Bull sky swingOpens in a new tab first, right?
Speaking of which, here are more videos of daredevils doing daredevil-ish things. For those who want another vicarious adrenaline jolt, we present… This person “speedriding” through a deserted ski resortOpens in a new tab that will feed any need for speed you have. And this kayaker ripping downOpens in a new tab the side of a snowy volcano. A good reminder that adventure sports can get terrifying on the ground too.
