Franz Reichelt

Franz Reichelt (* 1879, † February 4, 1912 in Paris) was an Austrian tailor and parachute designer.

Reichelt made ​​to a parachute, which ran counter to all the physical findings. In February 1912, he traveled to Paris to test his model designed. His jump from the first platform of the Eiffel Tower, he announced to the press. Hence video of his jump test are available.

The objection of the reporters present to be " bat suit " have still shown satisfactory results, brought him not abandoned its plan. On February 4, 1912, he jumped from a height of 57 m down, fell largely unabated to the ground and slammed on camera on after four seconds hang time on the ground. Reichelt died while immediately after the impact. The parachute designer had apparently hoped to float with the help of his flying apparatus gently to the ground.