White Dwarf (dirigible)

Last updated
White Dwarf
White Dwarf-Single Person Blimp-02.jpg
RoleHuman powered dirigible
National originUnited States
DesignerWatson, Allen

The White Dwarf is a human-powered dirigible built in 1984 that set several world records.

Contents

Development

The White Dwarf was commissioned and funded by comedian Gallagher, whose interest in airships was sparked by a radio-controlled flying watermelon prop he used in his stage act. [1] It was constructed by Bill Watson, who was part of the team that built the Gossamer Albatross human-powered craft. [2]

Design

The dirigible features a teardrop-shaped lift bag. The aluminum fuselage is a truss design with a single pilot seat on top with a chain-driven pusher propeller, 64 inches in length, positioned in front of a rudder. It weighs 150 lb (68 kg). [3] [1]

Operational history

The White Dwarf set several world records with pilot (and engine) Bryan Allen. It was flown a distance of 58.08 mi (93 km) in 8 hours and 50 minutes. [4]

Specifications (White Dwarf)

Data from Air & Space

General characteristics

Performance

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References

  1. 1 2 "Comic has gas of time pedaling White Dwarf - UPI Archives". UPI.
  2. Medearis, John (February 27, 1990). "Radio-Controlled Blimp Uses Stealth Technology at 28 M.P.H." Los Angeles Times.
  3. Archived May 25, 2015, at the Wayback Machine The White Dwarf Flies Again
  4. Sugar, James & Stephan Wilkinson (June 1986). "Who Is Bryan Allen?". Air and Space Magazine: 53.

Further reading