Bremont Watch Wingman Gary Connery Sets World Record
Thursday - 24 May 2012
'Bremont Wingman' Gary Connery became the first man to jump from a helicopter at 2,400ft and land without a parachute.
Connery successfully completed his world record attempt wearing a special 'wing suit' that slowed his descent, allowing a safe landing on a runway of 18,000 cardboard boxes. Thousands of people watched the stunt, performed in a field just outside Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire.
Connery successfully completed his world record attempt wearing a special 'wing suit' that slowed his descent, allowing a safe landing on a runway of 18,000 cardboard boxes. Thousands of people watched the stunt, performed in a field just outside Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire.
"I feel absolutely wonderful, I am overwhelmed," Connery said. "I have been training and planning for this record attempt for many years now and I am so proud to have achieved a world first. I want to thank everyone involved for their support and belief in me because this really has been a team effort."
"I don't think even Gary knows the full impact of what he has just achieved. He has just managed to do something that will literally change forever a large tranche of aviation," said Giles English. "This is totally pioneering. Bremont are so delighted to be involved with backing this extraordinary Henley-based man," he said.
Upon leaving the helicopter, the stuntman dropped for three seconds before reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. He slowed to 50 mph, and again to a final falling speed of 15 mph seconds before landing on the 300ft long, 12ft high pile of empty boxes. The fall took just less than one minute to complete.
The incredible feat was supported by Bremont, with co-founders Nick and Giles English helping preparations. Connery, who has performed 880 skydives and 450 base jumps during his career, wore a Bremont MBII Orange during the stunt - a chance to test Bremont watches "beyond endurance".
To ensure the watch was secure on his wrist, Connery wore a unique watch strap specially designed by Nick 'GasGasBones' Evans.
Bremont co-founders Nick and Giles English help with last-minute wing suit alterations
"I don't think even Gary knows the full impact of what he has just achieved. He has just managed to do something that will literally change forever a large tranche of aviation," said Giles English. "This is totally pioneering. Bremont are so delighted to be involved with backing this extraordinary Henley-based man," he said.
