World’s first skydive from a drone

Riga, Latvia – May 28, 2017 – Latvian technology company Aerones created a drone that can lift heavy weights to great heights; daredevil skydiver Ingus Augstkalns was lifted 1,082 feet (330 meters) into the air by a 28-propeller drone, dropped and parachuted safely back to the Earth, thus setting the world record for the World’s First skydive from a drone.

Photo: Daredevil skydiver Ingus Augstkalns was lifted 1,082 feet (330 meters) into the air by a 28-propeller drone, dropped and parachuted safely back to the Earth.

The Guinness World Records world record for the Largest simultaneous BASE jump (outdoor), set by a total of 30 skydivers from over seven different countries. who performed a BASE jump from the Ostankino television and radio tower in Moscow, Russia on 3 July 2004

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the most tandem parachute jumps in 24 hours; it is 403, achieved at an attempt organised by Teenage Cancer Trust (UK) and inspired by Stephen’s Story at Skydive Hibaldstow, North Lincolnshire, UK, on 10 July 2015.

Aerones representatives told Apollo.lv that the successful experiment proved the reliability and robust payload of the drone technology which in the future could be used for a broad range of purposes like rescue operations, firefighting, transportation, sports and entertainment.

Ingus Augtkalns, a skydiver and the author of the project’s idea, said he felt fantastic as the unmanned aircraft was lifting him up quickly and effortlessly.

“It is clear that we will see drones being increasingly used in our day-to-day life,” he said.

“Already in a near future our technology will be saving people’s lives, helping extinguish fires and performing other challenging and important jobs. With this project, we demonstrate our readiness for serious work and sport missions,” said Aerones chief engineer and the drone’s controller Janis Putrams.

Preparation for the jump lasted six months and during that time, the team increased the payload up to 440 pounds (200kg) and conducted a number of tests, including flights carrying Augstkalns over the river Daugava. (enlarge photo)

The super-powered drone measures 34 feet (3.2sqm), boasts 16 rotors and weighs 154 pounds (70 kilograms).

Aerones is the Latvian drone manufacturer that is focused on the development of drones with high lifting power. Ingus Augstkalns is an experienced skydiver and a wind tunnel flyer. He also is a co-founder of innovative technologies companies AERODIUM Technologies, Cube and Captomatic.