The Electric Bicycle Helicopter-First Flight.

[Doug Robertson]

Three Czech Republic companies have collaborated to invent and build probably the World's first prototype electric bicycle helicopter. I am not making this up!

Technodat, Evektor and Duratec's prototype uses 6 battery-powered propellers/rotors? for lift-off. Weight of the prototype rotorcraft is 220 pounds, (no RC model helicopter this). A recent demonstration ride/flight of 5 minutes was remotely-controlled with a dummy aboard, no doubt for safety. The companies hope to have a advanced model by this fall. Price of any production model?-Unannounced.

[Helicopterfriend]

Found this video

http://inhabitat.com/flying-helicopter-bicycle-hybrid-takes-inaugural-test-flight/

Walt

[Doug Robertson]

Thanks Walt, for the great link. Not quite ready for prime time, but always good to see aeronautical innovations. Flight control? Seems to be a big issue along with battery weight of the human-carrying model in development. The Czech Republic certainly leads in the the LSA area and this may be a spin-off.