Ancaps applaud as Human-powered aircraft takes flight

A University of Toronto student has done something nobody's been able to do before -- he built and flew a human-powered aircraft with flapping wings.

Ancaps applaud as Human-powered aircraft takes flight Storagecanoeca1429550

Todd Reichert, an engineering PhD candidate at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, achieved the feat, which has eluded humankind since Leonardo da Vinci sketched the first human-powered ornithopter in 1485.

It's called the Snowbird, and on Aug.2, Reichert climbed aboard, flapped its massive wings through a system of pulleys by pedalling his feet, and took off, sustaining altitude and airspeed for 19.3 seconds, and covering a distance of 145 metres at 25.6 km/h.

"The Snowbird represents the completion of an age-old aeronautical dream," Reichert said in a statement. "Throughout history, countless men and women have dreamt of flying like a bird under their own power, and hundreds, if not thousands, have attempted to achieve it. This represents one of the last of the aviation firsts."

The record-setting flight took place at the Great Lakes Gliding Club in Tottenham, Ont., and was witnessed by the vice-president (Canada) of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports and aeronautical world records. The record is set to be confirmed in October.

Despite its 32-metre wingspan, which rivals a Boeing 737, the Snowbird weights just 94 lbs. It's so light, Reichert had to shed 18 lbs. to fly it. Reichert said the invention stemmed from a mandate to create sustainable modes of transportation and the desire to promote "the use of the human body and spirit."

"The use of human power, when walking or cycling, is an efficient, reliable, healthy and sustainable form of transportation. Though the aircraft is not a practical method of transport, it is also meant to act as an inspiration to others to use the strength of their body and the creativity of their mind to follow their dreams."

ANCAPS: ANARCHO-CAPITALISTS

Applause

Ancaps applaud as Human-powered aircraft takes flight

Ancaps applaud as Human-powered aircraft takes flight

Anarcho-Capitalist Categorical Imperatives

AnCaps In Science, Technology & Environment