Red Bull Human Catapult Sets Two Guinness World Records in Slovenia
Extreme athletes Dani Román and Fred Fugen achieved record-breaking heights using a vertical catapult.
1Record-Breaking Vertical Launch
On November 5, Spanish pilot Dani Román and French jumper Fred Fugen executed a unique stunt at the Trbovlje Power Station. Instead of traditional jumping, they utilized a 60-metre vertical catapult installed inside Europe's tallest chimney. This engineering feat propelled the athletes upward, marking a significant departure from standard BASE jumping techniques.
2Solo Flight Performance
Dani Román, aged 35, achieved a solo launch reaching speeds of 180 km/h in only 2.15 seconds. During this intense acceleration, he experienced forces reaching 4.2 G. He ascended 100.36 metres after exiting the launcher, officially securing the Guinness World Record for the greatest height ever achieved by a human catapult.
3Simultaneous Launch Achievement
The duo performed a simultaneous launch, accelerating to 145 km/h within 2.66 seconds. This coordinated effort resulted in a combined height of 151.72 metres, setting a second Guinness World Record. Román gained 75.97 metres while Fugen reached 75.75 metres, demonstrating precise synchronization during the high-velocity propulsion phase of the ambitious project.
4Technical Engineering Development
The project required two and a half years of intensive development before the successful execution. Slovenian stunt collective DD Squad engineered the specialized vertical catapult system. The initiative received critical support from Red Bull and Prada Linea Rossa, enabling the complex integration of mechanical launching hardware within the historic industrial structure.
5Physics of Human Propulsion
The catapult mechanism relies on rapid acceleration to convert potential energy into vertical kinetic energy. By reaching 180 km/h in under three seconds, the system subjects the human body to significant gravitational stress. Athletes must maintain physical stability during the transition from the mechanical launch to the subsequent freefall phase.
6Safety and Parachute Deployment
Safety protocols were essential as the athletes transitioned from their upward trajectory into freefall. Both Román and Fugen successfully deployed their parachutes after reaching their peak altitude. This transition point is critical in extreme sports, requiring precise timing to ensure a controlled descent after the high-speed vertical launch sequence concludes.
7Industrial Site Utilization
The Trbovlje Power Station serves as the backdrop for this stunt, housing Europe's tallest chimney. Using such massive industrial infrastructure allows for vertical experiments that are otherwise impossible in natural environments. The height of the chimney provided the necessary clearance for the 60-metre catapult system to function safely and effectively.
8Future of Stunt Engineering
This event highlights the evolving intersection of mechanical engineering and extreme sports. By pushing the boundaries of human propulsion, the DD Squad has established new benchmarks for vertical flight. Future projects may build upon these records, exploring higher velocities or more complex launch configurations within controlled, high-altitude industrial environments.