Design and Development of the Atlas Human-Powered Helicopter

AeroVelo initiated the Atlas Human-Powered Helicopter Project in August 2011 to win the American Helicopter Society Sikorsky Prize, which despite prior attempts had remained unclaimed for over 30 years. The Sikorsky Prize required a human-powered helicopter to sustain flight for 60 s, momentarily reach a height of 3 m, and maintain position within a 10-by-10-m area. A configuration study was undertaken using low-fidelity aerodynamic analysis and estimated mass figures. An aerostructural optimization framework was developed for rotor design, including a novel vortex-ring aerodynamic model with included ground effect prediction, finite element analysis including integrated composite failure analysis, and a detailed weight estimation scheme. The airframe comprised a wire-braced truss structure, and innovative designs were developed for many of the aircraft’s lightweight-focused subsystems. After initial flight testing in August 2012, experimental optimization and performance improvement led to a second testing program beginning in January 2013. Testing in 2013 led to a reduction in required power, and improved understanding of the structural dynamics and control strategy. The project culminated with the successful American Helicopter Society Sikorsky Prize flight on 13 June 2013.