Speed and the Human Powered Aircraft

[Nick]

Channel 4 have a new series, Speed, featuring motorbike TT rider Guy Martin and his attempts to break various speed records. He's a fantastic presenter and very keen on what he's doing.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/speed-with-guy-martin

Last week he made a great effort to regain the Icarus Cup for the UK in the Human Powered Aircraft challenge. I've never seen an aircraft made of polystyrene blocks and clingfilm before! Even the propellor is polystyrene. The sheer amount of energy and effort he has to put in is incredible, working out 500W constantly for 5 minutes is like the mountain stage in the Tour de France. You'll have to watch it to find out how well he did....
If you look closely in the background of the airfield you can spot an Edgely Optica.

Ep1: Britains Fastest Cyclist
Ep2: Fastest Hydroplaning Bike
Ep3: Human Powered Aircraft
Ep4: Worlds Fastest Toboggan

[PR19_Kit]

I watched that too and found it very interesting. The Optica was at Sywell where they held the Icarus Challenge, but I'm nt sure if it's based there OGL may know.

And when they taught him to fly gliders (he couldn't fly at ALL before.... ) they d it at Lee-on-Solent and you got a couple of top views of the Hovercraft Museum as heeeassed o'head.