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Human
Power at Last
The
technology of the bicycle, with its relatively low-loss chain
and gear drive and rigid triangulated frame, has been applied to all successful
human-powered aircraft. The aircraft shown in the picture made the first
human powered straight flight of 0.911 km at an altitude of 2 m, in May, 1962.
Puffin was constructed from wood and had a weight of 53.5 kg. The pilot,
John Wimpenny, contributed significantly to the take-off weight of the plane.
This plane failed to win the Kremer prize because it was not able to maneuver
around the figure of eight course required for that contest. |
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