Yesterday, the South Korean Air Force announced the arrival of its new human-powered aircraft (HPA) called the Sky Runner. The 39.9 kg (79.8 pounds) plane went through preliminary flight-tests at the Air Force Academy in central South Korea last September, where the plane impressed all with recorded flight-distances of 150 meters and 100 meters at a height of 1.5 to two meters above the ground in one go. The airplane, made of glass fiber, Styrofoam and plastic materials, with a wingspan of 30m utilizes pedal-power during take-off and flight.
Though the first results are not that high, the flying distance can be improved through systematic pilot training.
A spokesman for the Air Force Academy expressed his contentment and optimism while pondering over the first results. Now, South Korea joins ranks with the United States, Britain, Japan, and Germany for having developed an HPA.
Via: The Voice of Russia/MSN