THE HIGH FLYING IDEA

In 2012, the aeronautical enthusiasts Peter Georén and Anton Westman got wind of LT1. The first thought was to reconstruct the wind tunnel making it blow upwards and to create the first vertical wind tunnel in Sweden, where you could simulate jumping with a parachute. This did not take place however. But the idea that LT1 could be used to create something extraordinary lived on. In spring 2015, Westman presented a wild thought that had been carved out during the winter: would it be possible to fly for real – forward against the air current – instead of falling as in a vertical tunnel? If so they would be the first in the world.

Peter Georén and Johan Strömberg took part in the idea, and immediately committed themselves to bring it to life. Georén’s approach to answering the question by asking the most powerful and sophisticated computer simulation programs existing did not give a clear direction. There were simply no relevant data algorithms available. The only way to move forward was to take control over LT1 and reconstruct; probe for answers. No sooner said than done. In the beginning of 2016, they equipped LT1 with an inclined tunnel section, and started to experiment with controlling the air currents. A few months later the success was a matter of fact: Georén was the first human to fly with a wing suit in an inclined wind tunnel, and soon thereafter Westman was the first to fly completely freely without a safety system.

THE EXPERIENCE

In the fall of 2016, Jonas Tholin joined the core team working with developing the concept into an experience that anyone can take part in, at Indoor Wingsuit Flying® Stockholm – LT1. The building is reconstructed to welcome visitors to a unique experience: one becomes the first in the world to let man fly freely – indoors and safely. The flight itself will take place in a spectacular glass pipe.