Speed Skydivingis the fastest non-motorized sport on Earth.
The goal is to achieve, in freefall at the standard jump altitude, the fastest average speed possible over a scoring time of 3 seconds, which can be achieved anywhere between 4000m (aircraft exit altitude) and 1700m above ground. The last 1000m of freefall distance is required to slow down before deploying the parachute.
Freefall speed is measured by a GPS device mounted on the skydiver's helmet.
The speed achieved by a human body in freefall is slowed down by air resistance and body orientation.
In a stable, belly-to-earth position, terminal velocity of the human body is about 200 km/h (about 120mph). A stable, freefly, head-down position produces a speed of around 240-290 km/h (around 150-180 mph). Further minimizing body drag and streamlining the body position allows the skydiver to reach higher speeds of 530 km/h (330 mph).
In thinair at higher altitudes, reduced air pressure allows an increased freefall speed of far more than 1000 km/h with the well-know Stratos jump of Felix Baumgartner who holds the top speed record of 1,357 km/h (843 mph).
