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More than 100 jumpers simultaneously plummeted together in formation travelling at speeds of 180mph.In a potentially lethal race against the clock participants had just 40 seconds of freefall from 18,000 feet to find each other and complete their formation.
Timing of the stunt was so crucial they had just one-second after linking together to break off and prepare for a safe landing. Jumpers need to begin preparations for a safe touchdown at just 7,000 feet.
The breathtaking world record attempt was achieved at the Skydive Chicago event in Ottawa, Illinois.
Courageous team members jumped from five different planes and raced to join the first jumpers who had started the centre of the formation below them.
To make sure all jumpers arrived at the same point in the air, those last to leave the plane needed to accelerate to speeds in excess of 180mph in order to catch up with their colleagues.
World air sports officials Federation Aeronautique International judged the attempt and confirmed it as a record when the jumpers returned to their base.
The 108 international freeflyers were carefully selected over a year of qualifications from events around the world.
The final selection of expert jumpers performed preparatory jumps starting on Wednesday and gradually built up to 108 in formation.
Venezuelan Luis, one of the record-breaking team who lives in Florida, said: "Planning was everything.
"You can't hear anything up there so once you are in the air you can't communicate.
"It all came down to knowing where your spot was and getting there after fighting through dozens of bodies floating around you at 180mph.
"We all partied pretty hard on Friday night. It's an amazing feeling."
The stunning aerial photos were captured by expert photographer Norman Kent.
The 52-year-old is frequently hired by film producers to manage high-altitude camerawork.
