A reduced drag cable for use in vertical wind tunnels and other applications with a change in the spacing and/or size of the strands of a standard twisted wire cable is disclosed. The perimeter strands of one embodiment all have a standard diameter, with the exception of one or more wires with different diameter from the other perimeter strands. The different sized strand forms a helical feature around the cable, creating a non-circular profile to reduce drag in air.A vertical wind tunnel flight simulator comprises a flight chamber wherein a flier may experience a freefall simulation. Airflow to support the flier is induced by fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. One or two return air ducts are used to return air from the fans outlet to the fans inlet. Opposed louvers are included on at least one duct segment thereby regulating the temperature via forcing ambient air into the simulator. The use of many duct segments having diverging walls adds commercial value to the system by lowering the height. Mounting components on the roof and behind walls creates a spectacular pedestrian viewing scene of people in flight.