Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 26, 2026

Gerhardt Cycleplane

The Gerhardt Cycleplane has been called the world's first successful human-powered aircraft. It was designed by Dr. William Frederick Gerhardt, and assembled by the staff of the Flight Test Section at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio. It was flown in 1923.

Last revised
Jun 26, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
152 w
Citations
4
Source
Cycleplane
General information
TypeHuman-powered aircraft
National originUnited States
Designer
William Frederick Gerhardt
Number built1
History
First flight1923

The Gerhardt Cycleplane has been called the world's first successful human-powered aircraft.1 It was designed by Dr. William Frederick Gerhardt (January 31, 1896 – March 15, 1984), and assembled by the staff of the Flight Test Section at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio.1 It was flown in 1923.1

Its only successful human-powered takeoff went 6 metres (20 ft) with the craft rising 60 centimetres (2 ft) above the ground.2

See also

See also

Related lists

References

References

  1. Cornelisse, Diana G. Splendid Vision, Unswerving Purpose: Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force During the First Century of Powered Flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: U.S. Air Force Publications, 2002. ISBN 0-16-067599-5.
  2. "World's First Aerial Bicycle Flies". Popular Science: 41. October 1923. ISSN 0161-7370.
External links