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Human-powered Helicopter Fails to Lift Off

Posted by michael on from the we've-got-hiiiiiiiiiiigh-hopes dept.

Peter writes "The Human-powered helicopter didn't even get off the ground. A team of University of British Columbia engineering students tried to win the $20,000 US prize offered by the American Helicopter Society. Three metres off the ground and hover for a minute was the challenge. But before the rotors were able to produce enough buoyant force they hit each other. More details: Vancouver Sun."

10 of 410 comments (clear)

  1. fp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    courtesy of MISTER LIFTO

  2. well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    fp

    the day a work is long
    hope i don't fail it
    bacon

    1. Re:well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

      I failed ....

      oh well

      Maybe ill make a useful comment one of these days
      gotta get back to work now

  3. jackqu7 by Coderstop · · Score: -1, Troll

    This FIRST POST was brought to you on behalf of JackQu7. thank you very much.

  4. In My best Nelson voice: by chrispycreeme · · Score: 0, Troll

    HA HA!

  5. Point? by oasis3582 · · Score: 0, Troll

    Really, what is the point of this? Even if they had succeeded, it is not as if our Army would be in a frenzy to purchase these so their pilots can pedal their way to Iraq. I can see the point of the X-Prize competition, but this seems like reaching to me...

  6. Would have been better... by RU_Areo · · Score: 0, Troll

    if he got off the ground then crashed. Probably would have made them rethink the whole ridiculous idea. Dr. Vegas

  7. Re:No pretesting? by arivanov · · Score: -1, Troll

    If you look at their rotor blades there is no way in hell they can be rotated to a proper speed for lift off by anything short of at least several kw engine. These blades are huge, thick profile and with HUGE drag. There is simply no way a human can spin and keep them rotating for 1 minute at a speed sufficient for liftoff.

    --
    Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
    http://www.sigsegv.cx/
  8. Re:Wow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    How long would your 5 minute commute be if you WALKED? I expect about 15 minutes if I remember Vancouver traffic. Get some cardio by a brisk walk why don't you !

  9. Lets assume... by rrkennedy · · Score: 0, Troll

    they actually get one to work in the future.

    What happens if your hamstring cramps with 10 M. of altitude?