[dead]

Some guy in the Air Force did this, sometime around 1960, and still holds the free fall record.

With all the new technology, I don't know what's taken it so long for somebody to try it again.

[ArrogantBustard]

CAPT (later COL) Joseph Kittinger jumped from something like 102 kft during Project Excelsior ... he used a drogue chute to prevent spinning. This also prevented him going supersonic.

[njslim]

Joseph Kittinger

Project Excelsior

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Excelsior

[ClearCase_guy]

With all the new technology, I don't know what's taken it so long for somebody to try it again

Teachers Union reply: "People today are so much smarter and better educated! That's why no one tries stuff like this!"
Conservative reply: "People today lack courage! Years ago, Americans thrived on bold action!"
X-gamer reply: "Dude! Can I use my wingsuit?"

[cpdiii]

Some guy in the Air Force did this, sometime around 1960, and still holds the free fall record. With all the new technology, I don't know what's taken it so long for somebody to try it again.

He had a small drogue chute and did not exceed the speed of sound.

What I would be concerned about is when he breaks the sound barrier the dynamic forces on his body will change such that he becomes an unstable falling object and then experience G forces that may render him unconscious.

I wear a parachute when I fly my glider. I sure as hell am not stepping outside unless the glider is total uncontrollable.