Professional adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner are relying on TOUGHBOOK rugged devices during their historic world altitude record attempt for a tandem electric paramotor in the French Alps.
The Turner Twins’ attempt to break the world altitude record in a tandem electric paramotor has begun, with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged devices playing a critical role. Test flights in the UK will be followed by the record attempt, currently scheduled for the end of September over Val D’Isere in the French Alps.
In an attempted world-first using an electric tandem paramotor, professional adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner will be looking to reach an estimated altitude of 10,000ft during their record attempt. The current record for a solo electric paramotor is 14,790ft, held by Nathan Finneman, whilst the current tandem altitude record for a petrol paramotor was set by Ant Green and Eliot Nochet in April 2015, reaching an altitude of 16,620ft.
TOUGHBOOK exceeds expectations on ruggedness, performance, and connectivity
During the world record attempt, The Turner Twins will be utilising Panasonic’s ultra-rugged TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook and TOUGHBOOK G2 2-in-1 detachable tablet. The devices will be used to access critical weather data and 3D geographic modelling in real-time, ensuring precise planning and execution at every take off-site, both during the test flights, and the actual world record attempt.
The Turner Twins need not worry about exposing their devices to immediate temperature changes or accidental knocks and drops. Both the TOUGHBOOK 40 and G2 are engineered from the ground up to be used in remote locations, providing limitless performance in the harshest of environments. Both can comfortably operate in temperatures between -29°C and +63°C, are independently tested to military standards for ruggedness[1], and can survive drops, knocks and vibrations without any compromise on performance. The 40 is the first TOUGHBOOK to be fully IP66-rated for water and dust ingress.
For accessing weather data and 3D modelling of the launch sites, the Turner Twins can take advantage of market-leading performance using the latest Intel® processor range. The G2 also features Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics technology, enabling superior graphic performance in the field, viewable through the sunlight-viewable, glove-enabled touchscreen. Both feature up to 12 hours of battery life on a single battery, helping Ross and Hugo stay productive when running the most demanding applications, either at the project’s base or at the launch sites.
Both devices enable Hugo and Ross to stay connected, regardless of their location, on the ground or in the skies. The TOUGHBOOK 40 and G2 feature leading GPS technology, and optional 4G and 5G connectivity[2]. The latest TOUGHBOOK 40 is one of the first rugged notebooks to feature the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200 specification, increasing connectivity speeds (up to 5.8 Gbps and greater than 2x compared to Wi-Fi 6E), whilst delivering ultra-low latency.
Rachael Pugh, European Partner Marketing & Enablement, for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, said: “Our market-leading rugged TOUGHBOOK devices suit this project perfectly; Panasonic shares Hugo and Ross’ shared passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, embracing pioneering technology within their paramotors, with a drive towards society’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. There’s truly no limit to what our TOUGHBOOK devices can achieve in the field; this will enable the Turner Twins to explore the art of the possible and reach their 10,000ft target. Everyone at Panasonic is rooting for Hugo and Ross in their upcoming world record attempt.”
Hugo and Ross Turner, said: “It’s brilliant to have the support of Panasonic to help us develop and test some pioneering technology, and help test their products in an environment which they were built for.”
The Turner Twins will also receive support from fellow project partners including Breitling, Waterbear and Extreme International.
[1] Tested by an independent third party lab following MIL-STD-810H
[2] With eSIM support
