The people and process behind "human-powered helicopters"
(CBS News) Back in September we showed you an impressive demonstration of "human-powered helicopter flight". Now, we have for you an informative piece that gives more of the background and build-up to pulling off such an amazing feat of physics. Check it out in the video above (and definitely make sure to watch the actual flight happen at about 2:36).
The Vimeo video aptly entitled "Human-Powered Helicopters: Straight Up Difficult" was posted by NPR, who also have an article about the event, and who write about the segment:
Honestly, it's fascinating to see the people, the process and ultimately the "straight up difficult" work finally come to fruition in such an amazing way. A wonderful and informative segment from NPR, who has more videos you can check out by clicking here to go to their Vimeo page.It's difficult to build a working four-rotor helicopter that spans 100 feet and only weighs 80 pounds. It's even harder when your engine is a 0.7-horsepower person. But one team of engineering students is trying to do just that.