Human Powered Airliners
The two-seat pedal unit
Interior of airliner
Exterior view of human-powered airliner
Side view of human-powered airliner
Human-powered airliners by Anthony Ratkov
A lightweight aircraft made largely of carbon-fiber composite materials may be powered by a group of approximately 100 passengers inside who are required to pedal. Each passenger seat in the aircraft would have a set of pedals installed on the floor in front of it. Each set of pedals is connected to a small electric generator located under the floor. When the passengers pedal, they produce electricity. The electricity they make is used to provide power to electric motors located in streamlined nacelles mounted on the wings,each electric motor spins a propeller. When all of the 100 passengers pedal simultaneously, they would provide sufficient power to take off, gain altitude and maintain flight.
This type of aircraft would not require fuel, would not pollute the air and would not contribute to global warming.
Invention by Anthony Ratkov. Computer graphic images by Anthony Ratkov.