Peter Salzmann pushes the limits of human flight with a revolutionary wingsuit and sets three world records in Switzerland

Saturday 02nd November 2024 07:26 AM

Peter Salzmann checks the flight data during the Red Bull Wingsuit Foil Project in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on October 24, 2024. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410290287 // Usage for editorial use only // ©Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

Thanks to extensive aerodynamic adjustments, this foil wingsuit almost doubles the glide ratio of a conventional wingsuit, allowing Salzmann to cover much longer distances without propulsion. The support of Red Bull Advanced Technologies engineers, who brought their know-how in aerodynamics, particularly from F1, was crucial in perfecting the geometry, profile and fit of the foil.

A flight beyond human limits

The jump took place in demanding conditions, with temperatures between –5 and +9°C and winds reaching up to 37 km/h. Salzmann described his flight as “intense and grueling”, but also as “an incredible feeling”, rejoicing at having taken on a challenge that seemed out of reach. By reaching a distance well beyond previous records, Salzmann not only pushed the boundaries of his sport, but also showed the innovative potential of new technologies in wingsuiting.

Peter Salzmann seen during the Red Bull Wingsuit Foil Project in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on October 23, 2024. [EDITORS NOTE: Image is a screengrab of an action camera and edited with photoshop] // Peter Salzmann and Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410290007 // Usage for editorial use only // ©Peter Salzmann and Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

An elite collaboration and a promising future for wingsuiting

Salzmann is well known for his daring exploits, as well as his work as a prominent aerial cameraman. In May 2024, he had already completed a flight across London’s Tower Bridge with the Red Bull skydive team. This time, accompanied by Marco Fürst and Marco Waltenspiel for visual support, Salzmann achieved a feat that many consider a major breakthrough for wingsuiting.

Peter Salzmann seen during the Red Bull Wingsuit Foil Project in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on October 24, 2024. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410290006 // Usage for editorial use only // ©Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool

By combining the precision of the traditional wingsuit with the gliding capabilities of the foil, this project marks a decisive step in the evolution of human flight without a motor. As Waltenspiel pointed out: “Peter’s wingsuit foil project is an exciting innovation. It allows for more efficient and rapid flight without the need for an engine.“

With this advancement, Salzmann is paving the way for a new generation of wingsuits, while inspiring the extreme sports community and redefining what is possible in the world of human flight.

Peter Salzmann seen during the Red Bull Wingsuit Foil Project in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on October 24, 2024. // Mihai Stetcu / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410280491 // Usage for editorial use only // ©Mihai Stetcu / Red Bull Content Pool

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