Strange Records: The Historic First Flight of a Muscle Plane
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Chapter 1: The Gossamer Albatross Takes to the Skies
The “Gossamer Albatross,” a remarkable muscle-powered aircraft, was crafted by American inventor Paul MacCready and piloted by Bryan Allen, who was both a cyclist and a glider pilot.
This extraordinary event unfolded as the 100-kilogram airplane successfully completed a flight lasting 2 hours and 49 minutes, covering a distance of 36 kilometers at an average speed of 18 kilometers per hour, while maintaining an altitude of around 1.5 meters. The altitude fluctuated during the flight, beginning at 7.5 meters, dropping to 5 meters, and finally settling at about one meter.
Long before Bryan Allen flew over the English Channel, the concept of human-powered aircraft had intrigued thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched designs for flying machines capable of sustained flight. However, it wasn't until nearly five centuries later that the first actual muscle-powered flight occurred. What was the experience of this historic flight like?
Section 1.1: The Dawn of Flight
On June 12, 1979, reporters gathered at the cliffs of Warren in Kent County around 2:30 a.m., eager to witness the historic flight. Paul MacCready was busy assembling his innovative aircraft in the early morning darkness, calmly briefing those present about the preparations for the journey from England to France. At 5:51 a.m., Bryan Allen took off, soaring 800 meters over land before reaching the waters of the English Channel.
The sea was calm and the winds favorable, suggesting a smooth flight ahead. However, challenges quickly arose. The radio's transmit button malfunctioned, leaving Allen unable to communicate with the support boats below. He could hear them, but could only respond with hand gestures. Additionally, the water supply was depleted, and unexpected winds and turbulence extended the flight time by an additional 49 minutes. Allen also suffered from leg cramps due to the lack of hydration. Compounding the difficulties, the instruments used to measure speed and altitude ceased functioning as the batteries ran out, having been prepared for a shorter journey.
Section 1.2: A Triumph Over Adversity
When it seemed the flight might be coming to an end, a support boat named “Zodiac” was poised to assist with the landing. As the Gossamer Albatross gained altitude, it became clear that the air higher up was calmer, devoid of the turbulence encountered below. Allen extended his flight time by five minutes, then another five minutes, and so forth, continuing this pattern for over an hour until he ultimately landed on the French beach at Cap Gris-Nez. After completing the flight, a weary Allen remarked that he had reached the limits of his endurance, able to fly just a few more meters.
Chapter 2: The Mechanics of Muscle-Powered Flight
How does a muscle-powered aircraft operate?
The Gossamer Albatross had a mass of only 32 kg when empty. Under ideal conditions, it required approximately 0.25 horsepower to sustain flight; however, even slight turbulence necessitated a significant power increase. Bryan Allen, seated in a bicycle-like saddle, maintained an upright position during the flight. His background as a professional cyclist was no coincidence. The aircraft's propulsion system utilized a plastic chain to drive a push propeller, which rotated at around 75 revolutions per minute.
For this groundbreaking achievement, MacCready was awarded the Henry Kramer Prize, established by a British industrialist in 1959 to recognize advancements in muscle-powered flight. The prize was a substantial £100,000. Notably, this was the second time MacCready received the award; he had previously been honored with £50,000 for his earlier creation, which successfully completed a circular route between two points, maintaining an altitude of at least 3 meters.
Chapter 3: The Impacts of Climate Change
Recent studies indicate that prior climate models underestimated the rate at which Greenland is melting. New evidence reveals...
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