MIT Daedalus

The MIT Daedalus was a human-powered aircraft which, on 23 April, 1988 flew 74 miles (119 km) from Iraklion Air Force Base on Crete to the island of Santorini in 3 hours, 54 minutes. This set a distance record which stands to this day. The craft was named after the mythological character Daedalus.

There were actually three aircraft constructed:

• Light Eagle: a 92 lb (42 kg) prototype
• Daedalus 87: This one crashed on Rogers Dry Lakebed on 17 February, 1988
• Daedalus 88: This one flew from Crete to Santorini

Both Daedalus 87 and 88 weighed 69 lb (31 kg).

Daedalus is on display in the lobby at the Museum of Science, Boston.

Specifications (Daedalus 88)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Length: 28 ft 2 in (8.6 m)
• Wingspan: 111 ft 6 in (34 m)
• Height: ft in ( m)
• Wing area: 322.8 ft² (30 m²)
• Empty: 70 lb (31.7 kg)
• Loaded: 229 lb (104 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: pilot

Performance

• Maximum speed: mph ( km/h)
• Range: 74 miles (74 km)
• Service ceiling: ft ( m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

References/External Links

• Dorsey, Gary (1990). The Fullness of Wings: The Making Of A New Daedalus ISBN 0–670–82444–5
• NASA's page about Daedalus

Related content

Related development: MIT Light Eagle

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence: