Project: Palermo
This project was started by Efrain Palermo in 1989. He has built a prototype and created a CGI model. This project is active as of August 2006. He is looking for sponsors so if you can, please get in touch with him (efrain@palermoproject.com). For more information, see his website.
The prototype.
The CGI model.
From his website: "I am working on a Human Powered Helicopter for a contest sponsored by the American Helicopter Association. Basically, it is a contest to be awarded to the first Human Powered Helicopter. After reading about this contest in the Air & Space magazine in 1989, I had an idea of how to build it and win and have been working on it ever since. I have a novel idea which my prototypes have verified, but forgive me if I don't give out any details yet. But basically the problems for this type of vehicle are twofold 1) weight and 2) power. Working within the constraints of how much horsepower a human body can produce one has to either make the vehicle extremely light or create an efficient power train. The problem with creating a very light aircraft is that it loses it strength as lighter materials are used, which has lead some to create craft for this contest out of very expensive composite materials. My approach lies in the power train angle, more power for rotor rotation means the craft can be built sturdier, if a little heavier. The winner will get a $20,000 award, but the greatest achievement would be to validate Leonardo Da Vinci early theories on human powered vehicles. I am working on my final prototype but need sponsorship money to complete. If any one is interested please email me. This is an international contest for a world record in this category."
2005-04-22: "I have been working on 'building' my helicopter in a 3D program (Bryce) so I can animate the helicopter design in real time and work out any bugs in the design phase. This mock-up of the helicopter will be created as close to the final design as possible. So far I have created the power train and animated it and it has been a great help in visualizing my plan. I have also met someone who has built full sized kit planes. In his shop I saw some of the plane wings in progress and he gave me many helpful tips with working in aluminum for airplane building that I can use for my project. My next step is to document all of the work I have done so far with earlier prototypes and get it ready for this web page once the sanctioned test flight is underway."
2006-08-05: I have contacted Efrain Palermo and the project is still going. Further information will be posted as he makes it available.