dks13827 2 #1 August 17, 2011 On August 16, 1960, he made the final jump from the Excelsior III at 102,800 feet (31,300 m).[2] Towing a small drogue parachute for initial stabilization, he fell for four minutes and 36 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 614 miles per hour (988 km/h)[3][4] before opening his parachute at 18,000 feet (5,500 m). Pressurization for his right glove malfunctioned during the ascent, and his right hand swelled up to twice its normal size.[5][6] He set historical numbers for highest balloon ascent, highest parachute jump, longest drogue-fall (four minutes), and fastest speed by a human being through the atmosphere.[7] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 100 #2 August 17, 2011 QuoteOn August 16, 1960, he made the final jump from the Excelsior III at 102,800 feet (31,300 m).[2] Towing a small drogue parachute for initial stabilization, he fell for four minutes and 36 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 614 miles per hour (988 km/h)[3][4] before opening his parachute at 18,000 feet (5,500 m). Pressurization for his right glove malfunctioned during the ascent, and his right hand swelled up to twice its normal size.[5][6] He set historical numbers for highest balloon ascent, highest parachute jump, longest drogue-fall (four minutes), and fastest speed by a human being through the atmosphere.[7] And he didn't hook in the canopy and kill himself on landing.....My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybill 18 #3 August 18, 2011 Hi D K, Ya' left out the part where , when the ground crew got to him and asked , "How was it???!!" He replied,"NO shit, there I was.........!!!!!" You know the rest!!!!!!.....What a dive!!! SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimartle 0 #4 August 19, 2011 All those "firsts" and he never bought a case of beer? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 100 #5 August 20, 2011 I'm sure he would have enjoyed a cold one or two since. I would certainly buy him one, no problema.My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CRASH1 0 #6 August 20, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqhlfz9GQPE No Wonder why his is #1. Sweet video to put in perspective his achievement, plus some bad ass music other stunts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
33zulu 21 #7 August 20, 2011 Here's an autograph I got from him, signed on the National Geographic magazine page where he exits the balloon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
