On June 12, 1979, the Gossamer Albatross, with Bryan Allen as pilot, became the first human-powered aircraft to fly across the English Channel. The flight lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes and covered 36.2 kilometers (22.5 miles) between Folkestone, England, and Cap Gris Nez, France. For this accomplishment, the Albatross team won their second Kremer Prize for human-powered aircraft.
Designed by Dr. Paul MacCready and his team of engineers from AeroVironment, the Albatross was similar to the Gossamer Condor, which was the first successful human-powered aircraft. The Albatross was built mostly of carbon fiber tubing and covered with clear Mylar. Unlike the Condor, it was designed to be easily disassembled for shipping.
Donated by Aerovironment Inc.
Date: 1979
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 28.6 m (93 ft 10 in)
Length: 15.4 m (50 ft 6 in)
Height: 5 m (16 ft 4 in)
Weight, empty: 31.8 kg (70 lb)
Weight, takeoff: 97.5 kg (215 lb)
Top speed: 24 km/h (15 mph)
Materials:
Covering: Mylar
Structural: Balsa Wood, Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, Wire, Foam
Physical Description:
Pedal powered aircraft, mylar and composite construction.
