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On June 12, 1979, the Gossamer Albatross, with Bryan Allen as pilot, became the first human-powered aircraft to fly across the English Channel. The flight lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes and covered 36.2 kilometers (22.5 miles) between Folkestone, England, and Cap Gris Nez, France. For this accomplishment, the Albatross team won their second Kremer Prize for human-powered aircraft.

Designed by Dr. Paul MacCready and his team of engineers from AeroVironment, the Albatross was similar to the Gossamer Condor, which was the first successful human-powered aircraft. The Albatross was built mostly of carbon fiber tubing and covered with clear Mylar. Unlike the Condor, it was designed to be easily disassembled for shipping.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Ultralight Aircraft at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Ultralight Aircraft
Object Details
Date 1979 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Manufacturer Dr. Paul MacCready
 Physical Description Pedal powered aircraft, mylar and composite construction. Dimensions Wingspan: 28.6 m (93 ft 10 in)
Length: 15.4 m (50 ft 6 in)
Height: 5 m (16 ft 4 in)
Weight, empty: 31.8 kg (70 lb)
Weight, takeoff: 97.5 kg (215 lb)
Top speed: 24 km/h (15 mph)
 Materials Covering: Mylar
Structural: Balsa Wood, Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, Wire, Foam
 Inventory Number A19810428000 Credit Line Donated by Aerovironment Inc. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use. You may also like First Public Demonstration Of Solar-Powered Gossamer Penguin August 07, 2010