Myth: Vertical Wind Tunnels Use Minimal Power

One of the most common misconceptions is that vertical wind tunnels require very little energy to operate. Some companies even advertise power consumption as low as 285 kW, claiming exceptional energy efficiency. But these figures can be misleading—often based on averages that don’t reflect real-world usage.

The Truth Behind the Numbers

AERODIUM CEO Ivars Beitāns addressed this myth head-on. He explained that power consumption is highly dynamic. It depends on several factors, including flyer size and flying style. Smaller flyers—like kids—need less wind. But larger individuals or athletes flying head-down need much more power to stay aloft. Beitāns compared it to quoting an “average temperature in a hospital”—technically correct, but practically useless.

Why It Matters

The difference in energy use isn’t just slight—it’s exponential. For instance, increasing wind speed from 180 km/h to 230 km/h more than doubles power consumption—from 240 kW to 570 kW. Indoor skydiving instructor Andy Durnford added that body position plays a huge role too: head-down flying requires far more energy than belly flying due to reduced surface area in the airflow. Bottom line: don’t be fooled by a single number—true power needs depend entirely on how the tunnel is used.