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The University of Southampton
Aerospace

The Icarus World Record Wingsuit project

Icarus project

Pushing the limits of science and physiology

The Icarus project is developing the world’s first scientifically engineered wingsuit to set world records for human flight using powerful computer fluid dynamics (CFD) resources and wind tunnel facilities. These records include the highest altitude and highest speed wingsuit jump while travelling the furthest total distance in the longest ever wingsuit flight.

Redefining the value of a student project

Dr Angelo Grubisic, a lecturer in astronautics and the project coordinator, is also an experienced wingsuit BASE jumper and test pilot for the Icarus project. The wingsuit has been developed by a talented group of students , either as part of their fourth year group design projects or third year individual projects. The students are studying for their MSc Engineering, in Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Southampton, making use of world-class equipment, including wind tunnels and supercomputers. The venture aims to show that, with a little leadership and initiative, students can make a valuable contribution to applied research in exciting, innovative projects.

Current world records

On 20 and 21 April 2012, Colombian skydiver Jhonathan Florez set Guinness world records for the longest flight duration (nine minutes, six seconds) and the highest altitude wingsuit jump of 11,358 m (37,265 ft). On 28 May 2011, Japanese wingsuit pilot Shin Ito set a world record for the highest speed achieved in a wingsuit – 363 km/h (226 mph). In November 2015, Andy Stumpf broke the distance record with a flight of 18.26 miles. The project aims to break these records and to set an altitude record.

Collaboration opportunity

The project is actively looking for a major sponsor to join an innovative and exciting project, which has great potential exposure in STEM workshops, documentaries and media news items.

If you would like to know more, please contact Dr Angelo Grubisic a.grubisic@southampton.ac.uk

Icarus project
Icarus project

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