VAERA | Wingsuit Propulsion Pack
Wingsuit flight is constrained by the risks and complexity of multi-product equipment. VAERA unifies thrust, control, and parachute integration into one system, creating a safer and more exhilarating way to fly.
OVERVIEW
Individual - ArtCenter College of Design
14 Weeks (2026)
Siemens NX, Keyshot, Vizcom
Surfacing, Visualization, Prototyping
ROLE
LENGTH
TOOLS
SKILLS
BACKGROUND
Wingsuiting is a unique form of skydiving that uses a wearable suit to transform the human body into an airfoil, extending flight time and allowing divers to glide for minutes before deploying their parachute. The global wingsuit market is on track to double by 2033
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Wingsuit thrust packs fail to integrate into existing on-body gear
Companies like Orange Aerospace and BMW have proven the potential of thrust-aided wingsuit flight, but integrating propulsion with parachutes and wearable equipment remains a challenge.
Process
01
IDEATION
Exploring initial architecture layouts and general product definition
FORM DEVELOPMENT
Iterative concepts focused on combining aerodynamics and wearability
The flight controls were developed alongside the thrust pack, ensuring consistent consideration for user interaction, control, and general form language.
RAPID PROTOTYPING
Sketch models to define ergonomic constraints and general dimensions
Prototyping the pack focused on finding the right positioning for the thrusters relative to the body’s center of gravity. I ultimately landed on an upper configuration, aligning the weight with the diver’s shoulder blades to support a stable, downward flight orientation.
The flight controls combine important flight information with an intuitive on/off throttle trigger for simple thrust control. Prototyping focused on achieving a secure yet comfortable fit on the hand.
CAD ITERATION
Refinement in Siemens NX for general form, surfacing, and details
BRANDING
Designing a brand and CMF strategy centered on high visibility and distinctive visual feel
Final Design
02
This is VAERA
Wearable propulsion built to give wingsuit flight a new dimension of control
Fully Electric Propulsion
Dual ducted impellers deliver 300 lbf of continuous thrust, enabling speeds up to 186 mph. With 15 minutes of sustained flight time, divers can maximize aerial navigation prior parachute deployment.
Integrated Parachute
Vaera’s built-in parachute eliminates the need for multiple wearable products, combining essential flight support and safety into one unified system.
Universal Attachment
Rather than relying on a standalone flight harness, VAERA uses a universal mounting system that clips directly into standard wingsuit harnesses and adjusts to fit the user.
A Complete Flight System
VAERA comes with both the wearable thrust pack as well as the user controls, providing everything needed for safe, controlled flight.
Glanceable Flight Data
Critical information is minimized to altitude, speed, and direction for an immediately glanceable display. A thumb paddle trigger on the inside of the palm provides intuitive, simple control of the pack.
A Secure and Comfortable Fit
VAERA’s flight controls fit securely over the hand, with a secondary wrist anchor keeping them firmly in place throughout flight.
