GAMBLE ON A JUMP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21698, 13 January 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

GAMBLE ON A JUMP

DROP OF 25 MILES PARACHUTIST'S DARING PLAN "I want to be the first man to drop from the stratosphere; I want to gamble my life on a jump from a height of 25 miles." In these words John Tranum, the famous parachutist, lately outlined to the Sunday Chronicle the < most daring aeronautical feat that has ever been planned. Subsequently Mr. Tranum made to Mr. M. E. Ridge, the young American \ who hopes to ascend by balloon to a height of 25 miles, the oiler,that a parachute descent should be made from the balloon—an endeavour which would double the scientific'', value of the at- .« tempt. Mr. Tranum offers to make the drop. The man who has survived more than v 2000 parachute jumps wants to, attempt a feat from which experts say he will only have a fifty-fifty chance of emerging alive. But Mr. Tranum doesn't agree with them. He says he believes he will come safely through the terrible ordeal if he is equipped with the proper clothing and breathing apparatus. Considerable interest in scientific circles in Europe and America has followed the announcement by Mr. Ridge that he is to attempt to ascend 25 miles into the stratosphere—more than twice the height of the existing record. Plans have already been made for the balloon ascent which •is supported by such distinguished men as Professor, J. H. S. Haldane, the foremost authority on respiration, and _ Sir Robert Davis, the inventor of diving suits and scientifio apparatus. Both these men say they believe that it is possible to ascend in a balloon with an open car to a height of 25 miles. But on the possibility of surviving a parachute jymp from that height Mr. Tranum relies on his own judgment alone. "If I were not convinced that iti could be done I would not suggest it for a minute," Mr.,Tranum says. " All the expedience I have gained in my 2000 parachute drops convinces me that this colossal drop is humanly; possible. "Of course, I shall need to be * equipped with a diving suit similar to that the balloonist will wear. I shall need heated clothing and oxygen apparatus; with these aids I think I can survive. If Mr. Ridge accepts my offer I shall ask to be strapped to the outside of the balloon car in such a way that I can readily release myself at the opportune moment. " I have already been up to a height of over four miles and my record delayed drop was made from a height oS three and a-half miles."