Helicopters run by human power

The helicopter called 'Gamera II' was announced by the research team at the University of Maryland (USA) in 2012. However, to operate it is not easy. Pilots not only use their physical strength but also combine their mental and intellectual abilities to steer this helicopter.

The construction of the Gamera II consists of four giant propellers linked together by an X-shaped rack system made of ultra-light material, and a powertrain placed in the middle. The total weight of Gamera II is only 71kg - heavy as an adult.

Pilot Colin Gore - the best member of the University of Maryland research group said: 'The Gamera II control is a combination of strength, control and ingenuity at the right time'. To demonstrate what he said, Colin flew with one of the two helicopters registered to participate in the Sikorsky Competition of the American Helicopter Association to win the next $ 250,000 prize.

Colin used both his legs and hands to spin two transmission pedal systems, thereby turning a giant propeller system. The movement is like cycling, however, if the impact is too strong, the rotor can spin quickly and break, broken in a few minutes. The aerodynamic design of the propellers is similar to helicopters so pilots who do not need to spin too quickly also create the necessary lift. The landing stage must be very careful, otherwise the helicopter may be 'dropped without braking' and lead to an unfortunate accident.

Colin also noted, the skill of balancing the impact and time is the deciding factor. Because if they want to win the $ 250,000 prize of the American Helicopter Association, the pilots must pass the record level to fly 3 meters high, 10 meters away and over 60 seconds.

The record of "pedaling" a helicopter to a height of 3 meters, 10 meters away and in 60 seconds has been established since 1980 and has never been repeated until now. The University of Maryland research team expects the arrival of 'Gamera II' to break this record.

The desire to fly up in the air with the strength of human muscles has burned for thousands of years, knowing how many generations have been passionately searching, researching, experimenting, how much desire to be pity , so many moments of sublimation, even for a moment and it is enough to light up the next hope. Yet even today, the record level needs to be overcome is only 3m high, 10m away and long flight with 60 seconds to know how difficult it is to be able to fly into immense space.