NPR has put together interesting proof that human-powered helicopters are hard to build: Kottke writes,
A team at the University of Maryland are building a human-powered helicopter in an attempt to win the Igor I. Sikorsky Human Powered Helicopter Competition. To win the $250,000 prize, the helicopter must fly for 60 seconds, reach a momentary altitude of 3 meters, and stay within a 10 meter square. This is surprisingly difficult.
I’d call it unsurprisingly difficult!
They need a really strong cyclist, put him in a standard cycling position, and get rid of the hand crank, replacing it with hand steering controls.
Human powered?
Yeah, Its unsuprisingly difficult to do that even if it just for 60 seconds. Much has to be done.
Cheers Johny.
Da Vinci would have been proud.