A typical skydiver’s terminal velocity in belly to earth orientation ranges from 110 to 140 mph (180 to 225 km/h). A wingsuit can reduce these speeds dramatically. An instantaneous velocity of 25 mph or 40 km/h has been recorded, but 60 mph (95 km/h) is more typical.

The suit also enables the wearer to travel longer distances horizontally; glide ratios of 2.5:1 are commonplace.

Records

On July 24, 2008, Australian doctor Glenn Singleman jumped from 37,000 feet over central Australia setting a world record for highest wingsuit jump.

Dare devil Swiss Wingsuit flyer Ueli Geoenaghatz raced a passenger plane from mainland Ireland, Co Galway to the Aran Islands jumping from 5,000 metres. The 17.6 km journey which normally takes the Aer Arran passenger plane 7 mins travelling at an average sped of 130mph was beaten by Ueli in a wingsuit as he reached speeds of over 200kmph.