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Fläkt Woods’ fans and some expert advice are helping to create a new phenomenon in Milton Keynes, by introducing to the UK a craze that’s swept the US, simulated skydiving, otherwise known as ‘bodyflying’.
Airkix is a space age vertical wind tunnel, currently under construction at Xscape, the entertainment complex in Milton Keynes. Set to become one of the most invigorating leisure pursuits, the vertical wind tunnel will enable people of all ages to feel the adrenalin of freefall in a controlled, safe environment. In the purpose built tunnel you’ll be able to perform a series of freefall manoeuvres in an airstream of up to 150mph. This column of air is generated by four giant fans, which have been supplied by Fläkt Woods.
The tunnel, which is expected to open in October, will have a 12ft diameter chamber with 4 of Fläkt Woods’ renowned fixed pitch full stage axial fans. These fans can be started at low speed, and gradually increased, allowing the participants to be raised into the air and experience the sensation of free fall. The ducted fans have a total power output of over 450 kW which is enough to lift a flyer of up to 110 kg or nearly 18 stone. The overall structure is 60ft x 60 ft and 90 ft high.
Reducing the noise
Because of its close proximity to the Xscape centre, finding a solution to the noise generated by the enormous fans has been a task that engineers at Fläkt Woods have spent a lot of time working on.
In America, the SkyVenture wind tunnels have been traditionally sited away from any residential areas, but in Milton Keynes this isn’t a practical proposition. So recirculating the air, instead of letting it dissipate has proven to be the best way to substantially reduce noise levels.
However, this in itself is quite a task to achieve, as the flight chamber inlet flow field created by recirculated air is markedly different to that of fresh air, so engineers have had to work at ways of steadying the air currents before they are reintroduced to the fans.
A total unique experience
Clear acrylic walls around the flight chamber allow people to see the flyers in action, as well as helping to immerse the participant in a freefall adventure. The system will also feature state of the art video and digital photography systems, it will include the finest instructors and coaches and make flying a pleasure.
Not just for adrenalin junkies, the major appeal of AirKix is that anyone can have a go. From first time thrill seekers to more experienced skydivers wanting to perfect their technique or those wanting to try something different, the Airkix wind tunnel is for everyone.
The advantage of the wind tunnel is that it combines the heart pumping elements of an extreme sport but in a controlled and safe environment. Unlike other extreme sports Airkix doesn’t require any previous experience or sporting ability.
All flyers visiting Airkix receive induction training in a pre-flight room from highly qualified instructors. Flyers are taken on a step by step programme, explaining how the wind tunnel works and how to get the most out of their flight. All flyers are provided with the latest equipment including flying suits, goggles and helmets.
The finest instructors in the country make up the ‘Aircrew’. Prior to coaching in the tunnel, all instructors receive rigorous training lasting three months and are qualified by experts at the International Bodyflight Association in USA. The training is carried out at SkyVenture, the manufacturers of the Airkix facility and operators of SkyVenture in Orlando, Florida. The Aircrew will give flyers confidence and help them develop new skills whilst in the flight chamber.
"Because skydiving is an expensive sport" comments Paul Wenden, Marketing Director of Fläkt Woods, "there have been various attempts in the past to devise a realistic simulator, some even using aircraft engines! This innovative design uses 4 fans in parallel, which enables a smooth airflow to be produced in the flying chamber with no "flat spots". We are pleased Flakt Wood’s high efficiency wind tunnel fans are the fan of choice for this application. Although nothing would induce me to leap out of an aircraft I would love to try this simulator!"
The tunnel parts are being fabricated in the USA and delivered on site to the UK. Other building work at Xscape has started with groundwork’s completed and steelwork up.
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