The American Helicopter Society (AHS) has named AeroVelo's Atlas
human-powered helicopter the winner of the Igor I. Sikorsky Human
Powered Helicopter Competition. The AHS Sikorsky
competition began in 1980, and the prize was destined for anyone able
to stay at least 10 feet in the air for at least 60 seconds within a
30' x 30' space using a flying machine powered solely by a single
human. No team has ever managed to meet all of the requirements — until
now.
Canadian Todd Reichert and his team have just been awarded $250,000 and the honor of building something that really worked. Reichert said:
AeroVelo, via YouTube and Slashdot
Canadian Todd Reichert and his team have just been awarded $250,000 and the honor of building something that really worked. Reichert said:
"This isn't something that you’re going to commute to work in any time soon, but it’s an exercise in really pushing the limits on what’s physically possible, and what you can do with lightweight materials and really creative design. Winning this competition really is a catalyst to keep doing the things we love. Our goal is to take on projects that really inspire people to follow big dreams.”Reichert piloted the craft for 64.11 seconds (that's a world record for "Duration on Hover"), climbed to nearly 11 feet, and stayed within the 30' x 30' boundary on one of the weirdest flying vehicles we've ever seen. Watch it happen in the video below. VIDEO
AeroVelo, via YouTube and Slashdot
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