World’s First Drone Jump
Forget old-fashioned sky-dives from an airplane and jump into the type of adventure that comes with a new age of technology. The world’s first drone jump executed and planned by Aerones brought Ingus Augstkalns to 1082 feet where he sailed gently to the earth using his parachute.
The jump began on a on a Latvian radio tower operated and owned by the Latvian State Radio and Television Center. Based in a rural area of Amata, Latvia, the tower topped out at 393 feet, making an excellent platform for this very first drone jump. Once Augstkalns was on the platform, the heavy-duty Aerones drone carried the skydiver to 1082 feet where he released the handles and dove toward the earth.
Planning for the world’s first drone jump took over six months of preparation with just a few seconds of flight and fall time. The final decision to use the Latvian State Radio and Television Center’s tower made the height of the jump safer for the jumper if the drone malfunctioned in its lift.
Designed to carry up to 440 pounds, the Aerones drone worked perfectly even with the heavy human load. As the drone rose into the air, Ingus Augstkalns held onto the drone’s handles using his hands covered in gloves to prevent slipping due to hand sweat. Releasing the handles at 1082 feet, Augstkalns completed the world’s first drone jump in spectacular style.
Drones designed to carry large amounts of weight are a part of the future with a variety of uses that make search and rescue operations safer for first responders and victims alike. The drone used in the world’s first drone jump offered a total flight time of ten minutes and cost an impressive $37,000 to build.
Aerones showcased the drone to show the incredible leaps in technology that could be beneficial to fire-fighting, search and rescue, sports broadcasting and defense.
The drone’s impressive payload capacity is uniquely beneficial in that it could be used to carry a person out of a dangerous situation without the risk to helicopter pilots and first responders.
The drone industry grows in leaps and bounds with Aerones leading the way in recreational drone jumps. Utilizing 28 propellers the drone provides enough lift for up to 440 pounds with plenty of power for ten minutes of flight.
Similar drones have been used for pulling skiers across the snowy landscapes and for pulling surfers through the waves. Recreational uses are expanding quickly with larger drones that offer enough power to provide exciting opportunities to anyone with a taste for an extreme skydiving experience or any type of adventure that involves creating amazing video while you defy gravity.
Firefighters and police departments are increasingly employing the use of these larger drones for purposes other than recreation. Large drones like those built by the Aerones company are employed in rescue missions where the drone follows automated signals for recognition of snow-covered humans or carry a special camera for the rescue of hikers in heavily wooded areas.
Drone enthusiasts who appreciate the excitement of being pulled through a snowy landscape are definitely enthusiastic about the recreational opportunities afforded by these heavy-duty and high-powered UAVs. Set for a serious increase in the use of drones as both recreational and rescue devices, Aerones is proud to celebrate the world’s first drone jump that proves the viability of airlifting a human with a drone.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
