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. It was constructed by Bill Watson, who was part of the team that built the Gossamer Albatross human-powered craft.
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 .
Operational history The White Dwarf set several world records with pilot (and engine) Bryan Allen. It was flown a distance of in 8 hours and 50 minutes.
Specifications (White Dwarf)
References
The White Dwarf Flies Again
See also The White Diamond UConn Lumpy
External links YouTube Video of White Dwarf