The Aerovelo Atlas is the first human-powered helicopter that achieved the goal of the American Helicopter Society International’s Igor I. Sikorsky Human Powered Helicopter Competition: to create a human-powered helicopter able to hover for 60 seconds and reach a minimum altitude of three meters. It was designed by Dr. Todd Reichert and Dr. Cameron Robertson of the University of Toronto and constructed with the help of University students and alumni.
On June 13, 2013, the Aerovelo team captured the $250,000 prize by flying the Atlas in a Toronto-area arena for 64 seconds and achieving an altitude of 3.3 meters (11 feet).
The rotor on display is one-quarter of the Atlas quadrotor helicopter. The rotor and truss weighs a mere 25 pounds. The pilot, Dr. Reichert, powered the Atlas using a modified bicycle that was spooled to the rotors with a thin cable of composite material. Control of the Atlas was achieved by leaning the bicycle to tilt the rotor axes.
The exhibit also includes a display that provides details about this historic achievement. It shows a movie showcasing the successes and failures leading up to the award-winning flight, and features a stationary bicycle the visitor can pedal to simulate piloting the Aerovelo Atlas. As one pedals harder, a miniature replica of the Atlas human-powered helicopter rises with its rotors turning scaled to the speed of the actual vehicle.
| Aircraft Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Main Rotor Diameter | 4 ft x 66 ft 3 in |
| Main Rotor Area | 13,800 sq ft |
| Empty Weight | 121.5 lbs |
| Gross Weight | 286.9 lbs |
| Powerplant | 1 human |
| Maximum Horsepower | 1.5 hp |
| Rotor Speed | 9.7 RPM |
| Acquisition Source | Donation by Dr. Todd Reichert and Dr. Cameron Robertson, Co-Designers |