***PRESS RELEASE*** WORLD RECORD ALTITUDE JUMP WITHOUT OXYGEN (for those without WWW access)
Larsen & Brusgaard
On Nov. 4, 1995 Patrick de Gayardon plunged into the void at 12.700 meters (41,910 feet),
setting a new World Record for a high altitude jump without oxygen.
The jump took place near Moscow at 4.30 in the afternoon. The launch aircraft, a four-engine
Ilyushin 76, took off from an air base at Ermolino, 120 km from Moscow at 3.35 p.m.
During the period leading up to the attempt Patrick appeared extremely calm
and collected, with considerable control and concentration. The jump lasted a total of 8 minutes.
Weather conditions, following recent snowfalls, had improved somewhat; a pale sun managed to
break through the cloud layer at 1.000 meters (3,300 feet).
The temperature at ground level was minus 5 deg C. (23 F) while at the jump altitude
it dropped to minus 55 deg C. (-67 F).
Patrick pulled at 3.000 meters (10,000 feet) having covered just under 10.000 meters (33,000 feet)
in free fall. He landed in snow-covered fields just 1 km from the airport from which he
had taken off. He was picked up by a military helicopter which brought him back to the base.
"It was fantastic - the jump seemed to last forever!" enthused Patrick, seeming oblivious
to the intense cold. "Everything went fine", he explained later.
"I didn't feel cold at all - the clothing was perfect. I'd like to make another attempt
tomorrow from a higher altitude if the aircraft were available and if I could count
on having a crew with a slightly better grasp of English".
Olaf Zipser filmed the jumped (carried oxygen mask). On the plane was also Philippe Tarade
(the pilot who flew for Patrick three years ago for his first record attempt
from 11.700 meters (38,610 feet) plus two two more cameramen from Sector No Limits.
THE JUMPSUIT
Patrick de Gayardon was wearing special clothing from NO LIMITS TECHWARE.
It consisted of a suit made of Thermastat and Coolmax weighing about 230 g (8 oz)
and designed to conduct humidity away from the skin, keeping the wearer warm and dry;
A two-way stretch suit (93% polyester, 7% Lycra) providing complete thermal insulation;
A second suit made of a thin elastic film with excellent breathability and an outer layer
made of a two-way stretch material used by high-velocity skiers to reduce air-resistance
to a minimum in order to optimise the aerodynamic aspect.
The rig was also covered with a similar material.