White Dwarf (dirigible)
| White Dwarf | |
|---|---|
| Role | Human powered dirigible |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Aerosystems Inc |
| Designer | Bill Watson Bryan Allen |
| First flight | 28 August 1984 |
The White Dwarf is a human-powered dirigible built in 1984 that set several world records.
Development
The White Dwarf was commissioned and funded by comedian Gallagher, whose interest in airships was sparked by a radio-controlled flying watermelon prop he used in his stage act.[1] It was constructed by Bill Watson, who was part of the team that built the Gossamer Albatross human-powered craft.[2]
Design
The dirigible features a teardrop-shaped lift bag. The aluminum fuselage is a truss design with a single pilot seat on top with a chain-driven pusher propeller, 64 inches in length, positioned in front of a rudder. It weighs 150 lb (68 kg).[1][3]
Operational history
The White Dwarf set several world records with pilot (and engine) Bryan Allen. It was flown a distance of 58.08 mi (93 km) in 8 hours and 50 minutes.[4]
Specifications (White Dwarf)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1985-86[5]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 48 ft (15 m)
- Diameter: 15 ft (4.6 m)
- Height: 27 ft (8.2 m)
- Volume: 6,200 cu ft (180 m3)
- Empty weight: 140 lb (64 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 390 lb (177 kg)
- Propellers: 2-bladed, 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) diameter
Performance
- Maximum speed: 14 mph (23 km/h, 12 kn)
- Cruise speed: 8.0 mph (13 km/h, 7.0 kn)
- g limits: g
References
- ^ a b Cardoso, Bill (September 28, 1984). "Comic has gas of time pedaling White Dwarf". UPI.
- ^ Medearis, John (February 27, 1990). "Radio-Controlled Blimp Uses Stealth Technology at 28 M.P.H." Los Angeles Times.
- ^ [1] Archived May 25, 2015, at the Wayback Machine The White Dwarf Flies Again
- ^ Sugar, James & Stephan Wilkinson (June 1986). "Who Is Bryan Allen?". Air and Space Magazine: 53.
- ^ Taylor, John W. R.; Munson, Kenneth, eds. (1985). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1985-86. London: Jane's Yearbooks. p. 770. ISBN 0710608217. Retrieved February 5, 2025.