U.S.A.P.T. SOLDIER PLANS TO BREAK WORLD RECORD IN WING SUIT FLIGHT

  • Published
  • By Donna Dixon
  • U.S. Army Parachute Team Public Affairs
Fort Bragg, North Carolina --  The U.S. Army Parachute Team--the Golden Knights, Black Team Demonstrator, Staff Sergeant Ben Borger, will once again attempt to break the world record for distance in wing suit flying, while at the same time test new high altitude oxygen mask. Borger exemplifies the image, determination and history of the team's mission statement through research and development.

Borger will be jumping from an US Air Force C-17 from an altitude of 32-thousand feet. Due to the extreme altitude and time in freefall, special oxygen masks are required for the record attempt. The oxygen masks he will use will allow him to test frigid temperatures of minus 50 degrees and high altitudes. It is this type of development and research, done by previous team members during the earlier years of the Golden Knights, that can help provide today's Soldiers with the best equipment available.

The suit worn for his flight looks like that of a flying squirrel. The wings inflate and it has cells that fill with air, similar to a parachute, making him more aerodynamic.

Borger first displayed the wing suit during a demonstration in Atlantic City New Jersey with the team August, two years ago and continues to don the incredible "Birdman" suit at air shows throughout the season. He is able to share his amazing flying capabilities with the wing suit via a jumbo-tron which airs the events on the boardwalk for the public to view.

Borger set the US record during winter training in Yuma, Arizona last year. Due to adverse weather conditions the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 58th Support Squadron out of Altus, Oklahoma, was only able to climb to 25,000 feet. The release point for the record attempt was approximately 10 miles from the drop zone. Borger was able to exit the aircraft and travel in free fall approximately 10 miles within a 4-minute time-frame. Borger said that he intends to set the new world record by flying 13 miles in this attempt. He stated: "in breaking the world record, we hope to make a substantial mark in wing suiting and through our research and development for U.S. Army." The jump is set for April 14 at the home of the 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, OK. April 13 will be mission prep day and the alternate date for the jump is set for April 15.
SSG Borger is available for interviews prior to the jump and will be available after the record attempt. For more information contact the US Army Parachute Team Media Relations Office at 910-396-7423 or at www.armygoldenknights.com