UMD Students Fly Human-Powered Helicopter 58 Seconds
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) -- The University of Maryland says its human-powered helicopter flew for 58 seconds.
But that was not enough to win the $250,000 Sikorsky Prize on Sunday. The prize requires a flight of longer than 60 second and an altitude of 10 feet.
University officials say damage to helicopter blades on Saturday and Sunday required a few hours of repair which limited what the team could accomplish. Spokesman Ted Knight said the team is planning to regroup and consider future attempts. The pedal-powered helicopter was flown at a sports complex in Prince George's County.
The Sikorsky Prize has remained unclaimed since its creation in 1980. Last year, the team captured the world record for a flight lasting 65 seconds that reached 9 feet. A Canadian team also is vying for the prize.
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