Press Release

Clark School's Gamera Certified for World Records

Human-powered helicopter’s 11.4-second flight officially recognized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  November 17, 2011

CONTACT:
Melissa Corley
301 405 6501
mcorley@umd.edu

COLLEGE PARK, Md.--The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale has certified that the Clark School’s Gamera human-powered helicopter team set world records earlier this year for flight duration and flight duration with a female pilot.

The FAI certified the 4.2-second flight of May 12, 2011, and the 11.4-second flight of July 13, 2011, which supersedes the first.

Gamera was designed and built by a team of some 50 students at the Clark School, and piloted by biology student Judy Wexler. The team is currently working on a new vehicle in pursuit of the Sikorsky Prize. The new vehicle will be lighter and more efficient than the original. The team hopes to have it completed this spring.

Details of the records can be viewed on the FAI web site under Experimental and New Technologies World Records/Manpowered Rotorcraft (IDs 16230, 16232, 16273 and 16274).

View the May 12 Flight

View the July 13 Flight

More Information: Previous Releases Regarding Gamera:
Clark School's Gamera Human-Powered Helicopter Team Completes Second Step Toward Sikorsky Prize With New 12.4-Second Unofficial Flight Duration
It's Official: National Aeronautic Association Awards Two U.S. National Records for Clark School's Human-Powered Helicopter Flight : Fédération Aéronautique Internationale to Begin Evaluation of Flight for World Records
Clark School Human-Powered Helicopter Flies : University of Maryland's "Gamera" Takes Flight, Achieves World Record with Female Pilot Aboard

About the A. James Clark School of Engineering

The University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering is a premier program, ranked among the top 20 in the world. Located just a few miles from Washington, D.C., the Clark School is at the center of a constellation of high-tech companies and federal laboratories, offering students and faculty access to unique professional opportunities.

Our broad spectrum of academic programs, including the world’s only accredited undergraduate fire protection engineering program, is complemented by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, early hands-on educational experiences, and participation in national and international competitions.

The Clark School is leading research advancements in aerospace, bioengineering, robotics, nanotechnology, disaster resilience, energy and sustainability, and cybersecurity. From the universal product code to satellite radio, SMS text messaging to the implantable insulin pump, our students, faculty, and alumni are engineering life-changing innovations for millions. Learn more at www.eng.umd.edu.