On May 23rd 2012 at 15.32.44s (GMT) in Henley-On-Thames (UK) and for the first time in aviation history, the "Bremont Wingman" dropped 2,400ft from a helicopter to land on a box rig, without the aid of a parachute. British stuntman, Gary Connery, used his expert powers of precision to achieve this world first - making the flight only with the aid of his specially developed wingsuit. As a leading innovator in wingsuit flight, Connery had created a bespoke suit in association with Tonysuits that had the ability to dramatically reduce his speed on descent and finally putting the world first within his grasp.
Minutes after landing, a triumphant Connery said:
"I feel incredible, just completely elated. I have been training and planning for this record attempt for many years now and I am so proud to have achieved a world first. I want to thank everyone involved for their support and belief in me because this really has been a team effort. Tonight will be all about celebrating with friends and family, tomorrow I will be plotting my next daring challenge!"
Bremont Watch Company teamed up with the international stunt superstar to set this new aviation record and Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, said:
"I don't think even Gary knows the full impact of what he has just achieved. He has just managed to do something that will literally change forever a large tranche of aviation. This is totally pioneering. Bremont are so delighted to be involved with backing this extraordinary Henley based man."
Bremont Wingman World First - Key Facts:
Connery jumped from the helicopter and flew downwards to around 200ft above the box rig. At that stage, Connery flared his wings and reduced his speed from 75mph to 50mph, with the entire flight lasting around 40 seconds and culminating in the Bremont Wingman landing, unaided, on the box rig.
Wingsuit flying first emerged in 1995, sparking a new wave of adrenalin junkies and aviation enthusiasts around the globe. As a long time supporter of the sport, Connery has always been at the forefront of innovation and been closely involved in developing the suit which will be used for this flight, making it both a technical first as well as a world first.
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