Gossamer Condor

This recumbent human-powered plane took cycling to new heights on August 23, 1977 when Bryan Allen pedaled Dr Paul B. MacCready's Gossamer Condor around a Figure-8 course to win the Kremer Prize for human-powered flight.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HPV
• bike
• human-powered
• air
• airplane

[livewombat]

There have been a lot more human-powered airplanes built since this one, but these fragile critters require perfect weather to stay intact, assistance to launch and land, and a world-class cyclist to power them.

[flyingbrick88]

if you have to ask about materials... you arent smart enough to even start this project.

[traxxas100]

The easiest and cheapest materials to start with are thin aluminum tubes for structure (~28 thousandths of an inch thick wall), thin slices of foam for shaping (like ribs), balsa for smaller structural parts (like rib caps), and thin mylar for skin (1 thousandth of an inch thick). As far as finding this materials, all are sold stock by various companies you can find online. Expect a decent shot at a flying aircraft to run at least 5,000 in materials and basic tools.

[horsesarecool]

I'm interested. Where do I find materials to build my own? I want to try a blended wing model? Help!

[traxxas100]

Not quite. While it does take a world class cyclist to go for long distances, someone in average physical shape can get a human powered aircraft in the air. It's not publicized, but there are many modern HPAs, which are stronger, lighter, faster, and easier to fly. With advancement encouraged by the Kremer prize and general interest, almost everyone will be able to fly one in the future. All you have to do is get interested and get involved. Go ahead look up Human Powered Aircraft on Google.

[rayofminneapolis]

Does anyone fly then in modern times!? Gotta get the tall bike club building these.