Rio De Janeiro, 2 May 2012:
Yves 'Jetman' Rossy continue to push the boundaries of aviation by successfully completing a flight, this morning at 10h45, under a sunny sky over the city of Rio de Janeiro.
The pioneering Yves Rossy, who is the only person to fly with a rigid wing equipped with four jet engines, dropped from a helicopter over Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, where he stabilised the wing and headed full throttle north to circumvent Corcovado. He then tracked south of the city to fly alongside Ipanema, Copacabana, and Sugar Loaf Mountain, before pulling his parachute and safely landing on the infamous Copacabana beach.
The carbon-kevlar Jetwing has four engines attached, which each offer a thrust of 22kg, propelling the Swiss aviator through the South American skies at between 200-300kph, controlled by a simple throttle in his hand. The rest of the controls are left to the human-fuselage, Yves Rossy himself who simply usages his shoulders, body and legs to steer, pitch and descend.
The total flight took 11 minutes 35 seconds averaging altitudes of 1200metres and no problems were reported before, during or after the flight. Although, Yves Rossy, a former fighter pilot and Swiss Airlines captain ensured that stringent safety measures and procedures were in place.
A Professional Pilot with the Approach of a Pioneer, supported by a Worldwide Partner of Aviation. Yves Rossy first started developing the Jetman project in 1993, and in 2008 completed the first significant Jetman feat by crossing the English Channel. In 2010 the Swiss watchmaker Breitling, joined as a main sponsor and the joint venture has continued to achieve many aviation firsts. To date Jetman supported by Breitling has completed aerobatics from the Breitling Orbiter balloon, flown over the Grand Canyon skies and most recently flown in formation with two L-39c Albatros Jets from the Breitling Jet team.
The unique cityscape of Rio provided the perfect backdrop to this latest flight. With the strong natural elements of the mountains, lagoons and beaches. Yves Rossy describes his expereince; “It will be difficult to find a more beautiful city than Rio. Flying in front of Christ the Redeemer, it seemed like it was just him and me. It was very spritual to be face-to-face with such a symbol of peace. I would like to thank the city of Rio and everyone who made this happen. The message for this flight go and realise your dreams !“
--Ends--
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To request a media pack, high resolution images or video footage, please contact:
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Notes to Editors:
Yves 'Jetman' Rossy
Date of birth: 27 August 1959
Nationality: Swiss
Home Bex: Switzerland
Profession: Aviator
Flying CV: Fighter pilot, airline captain, JetMan
www.jetman.com
Jetwing:
Dimensions: Span 2m
Weight with fuel and smoke: 55kg weight dry: 30kg
Engines: 4 Jet-Cat P200 automatic start
Thurst: 22kg each
Speed Average: 200kph
At Ascent : 180kph
On Descent : 300kph
Climb 330 m/min
Flight time 6 to 13 minutes
Parachute: Parachutes de France Legend R
For more information, please visit: www.jetman.com
Breitling:
In order to share it’s passion for aviation, Swiss watchmaker Breitling supports unique aviation events, teams and achievements. Breitling is a proud sponsor of Yves Rossy and the Jetman project and admires the determination he shows to constantly push the boundaries, to shape the future of flight.
For more information, please visit: www.breitling.com
