The Long Fall

[JackLuis]

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner survives 17-mile plunge

http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Scitech/felix-baumgartner-edge%20of%20space.jpg

Daredevil adventurer Felix Baumgartner has successfully jumped from from 96,640 feet (29,455 meters) from a custom balloon -- the last test required before his planned 23-mile freefall from the edge of space can take place.

On that jump, Baumgarther will achieve supersonic speeds.

OK, who's next?

 

[JackLuis]

Don't care for long falls? How about 'hagwala", Saudi Arabian for drifting.

Punishment For Fatal Accident: Driver Will Be Executed

A driver who killed two bystanders while performing a stunt has received a death sentence from Saudi Arabian authorities. The driver, known as Mutannish in court records, will be beheaded.

His death has not yet been scheduled. Mutannish had been engaged in the Saudi pastime of drifting, making his car spin and skid at high speeds, when he lost control and plowed into a crowd of men. The practice is also known as hagwalah, and also can include purposely driving in the wrong direction.

Falling from space or 'hagwala' can get you killed.

 

[TxRad]

Terminal velocity for a falling body is nowhere near supersonic speeds, I don't care how far you fall.

 

[JackLuis]

Terminal velocity for a falling body is nowhere near supersonic speeds, I don't care how far you fall.

Once you get over 40-50,000 feet the air thins and greater velocities are possible. From space you could get up to supersonic, but once you reach thicker air you'll slow down.

Of course you will still need a parachute for landing softly enough that you can do it again.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Some people really need a real job . . .

 

[Dual_Triode]

Terminal velocity for a falling body is nowhere near supersonic speeds, I don't care how far you fall.

At higher altitudes, the air is thinner and provides less drag. Also, the speed of sound slows as the air density decreases. At 17 miles (~89,000 ft or 30,000 m), the speed of sound slows by about 100 mph down to 670 mph.

Supersonic? A walk in the park.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Once he reaches denser air, I would think the heat from friction would incerate him, like a meteorite. Also, falling at that speed, I would expect his parachute to shred when he pulls the ripcord. I realize it would not be a standard chute, but even so...

 

[Edward Teach]

Once he reaches denser air, I would think the heat from friction would incerate him, like a meteorite. Also, falling at that speed, I would expect his parachute to shred when he pulls the ripcord. I realize it would not be a standard chute, but even so...

We should warn him.

 

[Handley_Page]

Fuller details, including a link to the home site, can be found HERE.

There's also a film of him doing it.

Don't forget that there is a terminal velocity which cannot be exceeded by a human body. He managed 364-odd mph.