White Dwarf | |
---|---|
Role | Human powered dirigible |
National origin | United States |
Designer | Watson, Allen |
The White Dwarf is a human-powered dirigible built in 1984 that set several world records.
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]
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]
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]
Data from Air & Space
General characteristics
Performance
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