I want a lightweight personal aircraft with glider wings that double as solar panels, with a battery and motor to assist the main source of power, bicycle pedals.

Tell the elves I said hi.
-- Spacecoyote, Dec 06 2008

No fair! Always with the clothes instead of what you really asked for. http://www.designby...om/shop/detail/2255
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Dec 06 2008]

Isn't this pretty much baked ? The Gossamer Condor and the Gossamer Albatross worked OK, and ultralite solar-powered prototypes have been flown sucessfully by NASA.

We suggest that this is Widely Known To Exist.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 06 2008


Yes but the Solar Challenger didn't have bicycle pedals, or batteries. Because of that it wasn't capable of going much farther than 100 miles.

I believe technology has advanced quite a bit in avionics since the 80's and that because of this we may now have one capable of a good 300 miles in every garage.
-- Spacecoyote, Dec 06 2008


They have huge wingspans, and fly at very low speeds - so low that a moderate headwind can push them backwards .... not practical as transport.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 06 2008



random, halfbakery