| National origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Designer | William Frederick Gerhardt |
| Number built | 1 |
| First flight | 1923 |
The Gerhardt Cycleplane has been called the world's first successful human-powered aircraft.[1] It was designed by Dr. William Frederick Gerhardt (January 31, 1896 – March 15, 1984), and assembled by the staff of the Flight Test Section at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio.[1] It was flown in 1923.[1]
Its only successful human-powered takeoff went 6 m (20 feet) with the craft rising 60 cm (2 feet) above the ground.[2]
References
- ^ Cornelisse, Diana G. Splendid Vision, Unswerving Purpose: Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force During the First Century of Powered Flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: U.S. Air Force Publications, 2002. ISBN 0-16-067599-5.
- ^ "World's First Aerial Bicycle Flies". Popular Science. October 1923. ISSN 0161-7370