Human powered helicopter - wins Sikorsky Prize ($250,000) 33 years after announcement.

[uetian]

Finally, 33 years after "Sikorsky Human Powered Helicopter Competition" prize was announced (1980) by American Helicopter Society (AHS) International, on 13th June 2013 team AeroVelo from University of Toronto won the competition.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=363919247076321

The initial lift-off power required was 930+ Watts, and average power required to keep the sustained flight was 730+ Watts (as per AeroVelo's fund raising video).

In case, the specs/technicalities are not interesting for the reader, enjoy the sound track :biggthumpup:

 

[pinionated]

Impressive distribution of power.

 

[lurker]

Yeah. I am impressed. The previous attempt I saw had the person not just peddle with their legs but also crank with their arms. This design is so much more better and efficient.

Too bad we Pakistanis are out killing each other and shoving Islam down each other's throats to have such "Duniyavi" pursuits.