I understand the storing energy rule, but it seems to me it defies the purpose of the competition. Without storing energy, wouldn't the helicopter come crashing down as soon as you stopped pedaling (or whatever you do)? Surely there would have to be some way to take a break without dieing.
I guess you're referring to the South African runner that wasn't allowed to run in the Olympics with artificial legs.
If I recall, the issue wasn't an energy advantage, but the recovery. He could train at maximum level, and simply grab a new pair - whereas his competitors would have to worry about injury. (So I guess there was an energy equation, but a different one - the energy of the artificial legs slowly breaking).
In this case, I'd guess that would be a non issue. However, I equally don't see it as being a huge advantage... At the outside, perhaps a weight one.
Interesting. So, the winner will probably have a bunch of slightly inefficient flywheels that technically provide a tiny amount of lift and/or thrust, charge those up, and use them to power the main rotor.
Hmmm... with break-throughs in current materials science, like super light-weight composites, there might be a way to build a structure strong and light enough.
Would be a cool project for a research lab with funding and people.
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[ 38.6 ms ] story [ 1055 ms ] threadThey've covered most of the loopholes - including storing energy, etc. Perhaps more interesting, there is no limit on the size of the crew.
So you can have energy in the system, but you can't sit there cycling for an hour charging a battery.
(They also exclude the crew taking stimulants and drugs).
If I recall, the issue wasn't an energy advantage, but the recovery. He could train at maximum level, and simply grab a new pair - whereas his competitors would have to worry about injury. (So I guess there was an energy equation, but a different one - the energy of the artificial legs slowly breaking).
In this case, I'd guess that would be a non issue. However, I equally don't see it as being a huge advantage... At the outside, perhaps a weight one.
There's ground effect because it's so low (0.2 m), but it's still unbelievably cool.
doesn't sound like my cup of tea.
2. Pedal for hours/days to charge the battery
3. Fly helicopter on battery power
4. Collect $250,000
Would be a cool project for a research lab with funding and people.