Human-powered helicopter smashes world record.

[Shake&Bake]

A helicopter powered by a student pedalling on a lightweight bicycle-style frame has stayed airborne for 50 seconds - smashing the team's previous record of just 11 seconds.

The record but the team posted a video online showing the craft wobbling into the air under pedal power, piloted by University of Maryland engineering student Kyle Gluesenkamp.

The students hope to win a $250,000 prize for human-powered flight - but the helicopter, Gamera II, has to stay in the air for a further 10 seconds to meet the standards for the American Helicopter Society Prize.

More deets and video at the Source Link,

 

[ponder]

Cool!

 

[patrick]

Interesting design, looks like a great full body workout. AFAIK humans can put out 1kw for brief periods of time, maybe stick on an electric motor and have a much longer flight.

 

[FrankCastle]

maybe stick on an electric motor and have a much longer flight.

or just down a can of baked beans

 

[ponder]

or just down a can of baked beans

or Red Bull, gives you wings...