Baumgartner breaks the Maximum Vertical Speed World Record

Felix Baumgartner has been recognised today by the FAI for breaking the Maximum Vertical Speed World Record without a drogue or stabilization device.

Baumgartner on the day of the world record
© Jörg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool

The 43 year old Austrian Baumgartner was carried high up in the sky by a pressurised capsule attached to a helium balloon. Wearing a specially designed suit, he exited the capsule at an altitude of 21’818 meters (71'581 feet) and achieved a jump during which he reached the staggering record speed of 587 km per hour.

The jump took place on 15 March 2012 in Roswell, New Mexico, USA, a place steeped in the history of high altitude balloon launches. It was a part of a planned series of three jumps designed to break three FAI World Records:
-    Exit Altitude
-    Vertical Distance of Freefall (without drogue or stabilization device)
-    Maximum Vertical Speed (without drogue or stabilization device)

The FAI congratulates Felix Baumgartner on his great achievement.

Photos

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