For investors and funding partners
Investment proposal
The TT65 PRO facility, its V&A Waterfront location, the funding structure and the revenue model.
The ask: R100m, the remaining 50% of the R200m development cost.
Proposed vertical wind tunnel · V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
School of Human Flight
Inclusive and community programmes built around a proposed Tunnel Tech TT65 PRO vertical wind tunnel. FAI competition grade. The first facility of its scale in Africa.
Read the investment summary Request the proposals
- Flight chamber diameter
- 6.5 m
- Flight chamber height, approximately
- 24 m
- Total development cost
- R200m
- Funding secured
- 50%
- Investment sought
- R100m
Three proposals, one facility
Three ways to take part
One vertical wind tunnel at the V&A Waterfront supports three connected proposals: a commercial facility, an inclusive sporting programme and a community development initiative. An investor or sponsor can engage with one proposal on its own, or with the initiative as a whole.
For disability-sector sponsors
Inclusion programme
Inclusive indoor skydiving for people with spinal cord injuries and paraplegia, and a pathway into FAI-recognised Indoor Para Skydiving.
The ask: sponsorship of flights, bursaries, equipment and athlete development.
For CSI and government partners
Community transformation
Youth development, STEM education, social cohesion and skills pathways for disadvantaged communities.
The ask: sponsorship of youth, education and outreach programmes.
The facility
Tunnel Tech TT65 PRO at a glance
The TT65 PRO is a 6.5 m diameter flight chamber about 24 m high, designed to FAI competition standard. It is among the largest vertical wind tunnels in operation internationally.
| Model | Tunnel Tech TT65 PRO |
|---|---|
| Flight chamber | 6.5 m diameter, approximately 24 m high |
| Standard | Designed to FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) competition standard |
| Disciplines | 4-way and 8-way Formation Skydiving, Dynamic events and the full range of indoor skydiving disciplines |
| Airflow | Wind speeds in excess of 280 km/h, recreating free-fall from roughly 4,000 m |
| Glass | Two levels of 54 mm thick glass for spectator visibility |
| Noise | 55 dB(A), low enough for a mixed-use tourism precinct |
| Energy | Industry-leading energy efficiency relative to comparable tunnels |
| Facilities | Athlete training, spectator viewing and mezzanine areas, media and broadcasting infrastructure, reception, retail, corporate hosting, youth-programme and educational spaces |
| Location | V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Venue within the precinct to be finalised |
| Manufacturer track record | Tunnel Tech has delivered seven facilities internationally in under six years |
Why now
A growing sport with new international milestones
A rapidly expanding global industry
Indoor skydiving is a rapidly expanding global industry. A facility of this scale would be the first of its kind on the African continent.
- €1bn+a year, global industry value
- 300+operational facilities worldwide
- 20m+flights recorded to date
Market figures as stated in the project proposals.
Indoor Para Skydiving is now an FAI discipline
- The FAI recognises Indoor Para Skydiving as its first-ever para-sports discipline.
- A World Cup debuted in France.
- The inaugural FAI World Championships follow, under the FAI International Skydiving Commission (ISC).
These milestones position Cape Town to compete for major sanctioned events as the sport grows internationally.
Development timeline
From site and funding to public opening
Phase durations are approximate and follow site and funding finalisation.
-
First
Site and funding finalisation
Venue confirmation within the V&A Waterfront and close of the remaining investment.
-
Phase 1
About 3 months
Engineering and final design
-
Phase 2
8 to 10 months
Construction and fit-out
-
Phase 3
About 2 months
Testing and commissioning
-
Phase 4
About 1 month
Soft launch and public opening
Leadership
Led by a Springbok skydiving champion
Ruben Knoetze
Project lead
Ruben Knoetze is a National and International Springbok Skydiving Champion with more than 50 years in the sport.
His experience includes leadership within South African Skydiving, national and international competition, World Championship-level participation and advanced free-fall instruction.
He leads all three proposals: the investment case, the School of Human Flight and the community programme.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the project
What is the Cape Town Vertical Wind Tunnel?
The Cape Town Vertical Wind Tunnel is a proposed indoor skydiving facility built around a Tunnel Tech TT65 PRO vertical wind tunnel at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The flight chamber is 6.5 m in diameter and about 24 m high, and is designed to FAI competition standard. It would be the first facility of its scale in Africa. The School of Human Flight, an inclusive indoor skydiving programme, is proposed to operate from it.
Where will the Cape Town Vertical Wind Tunnel be located?
The facility is proposed for the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. The specific venue within the precinct has not been finalised. Final venue confirmation and any associated planning or environmental approvals are listed as key considerations.
How much does the project cost and how much funding is secured?
The total development cost is R200 million. R100 million (50%) is secured and R100 million (50%) is sought. The project is in active discussion with additional investors for the balance.
What investment terms are on offer, and how can I see the full proposal?
Investment terms and structure are not published on this website. A detailed use-of-funds breakdown and the financial model are shared with prospective investors under NDA as part of due diligence. A Non-Circumvention and Non-Disclosure Agreement can be executed before any detailed discussions. Use the contact section to request the proposals.
What are the three proposals?
Three proposals share one facility. The Investment Proposal seeks the remaining R100 million of the development cost. The School of Human Flight seeks disability-sector sponsors for inclusive indoor skydiving and Indoor Para Skydiving. Community Transformation Through Human Flight seeks CSI and government partners for youth, STEM and skills programmes. An investor or sponsor can engage with one proposal or with all three.
What is the Tunnel Tech TT65 PRO?
The TT65 PRO is a vertical wind tunnel made by Tunnel Tech, with a 6.5 m diameter flight chamber about 24 m high, designed to FAI competition standard. It supports 4-way and 8-way Formation Skydiving and Dynamic events. It has two levels of 54 mm thick glass and a noise level of 55 dB(A). Tunnel Tech has delivered seven facilities internationally in under six years.
Who leads the project?
The project is led by Ruben Knoetze, a National and International Springbok Skydiving Champion with more than 50 years in the sport. His experience includes leadership within South African Skydiving, national and international competition, World Championship-level participation and advanced free-fall instruction.
How long will it take to build and when will it open?
After site and funding finalisation, the proposal allows about 3 months for engineering and final design, 8 to 10 months for construction and fit-out, about 2 months for testing and commissioning, and about 1 month for soft launch and public opening. No opening date has been announced.
Contact
Request the full proposals
Full proposals, the use-of-funds breakdown and the financial model are shared under NDA. A Non-Circumvention and Non-Disclosure Agreement can be executed before any detailed discussions.