A couple people ride recumbents. If we can get a critical mass of members, we might do something more concrete. A group of 6 students design, build and test a new HPV every year, as part of their senior design project. We use a 700c back wheel and a 20 inch front wheel. Sponsors include DuPont Advanced Composites, Hexcel Corp., UH College of Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Several people supervise occasional projects.
Mark Drela did much of the analysis, design and construction work on the HPA Chrysalis, Monarch, Light Eagle and Daedalus. Subsequently he did much of similar work on the HP hydrofoil Decavitator, and piloted it to win the DuPont prize. Specialist in Low-Speed Fluid Dynmaics and Propeller Design and Analysis. He is Marine Advisory Leader with the Sea Grant Program. This years vehicle is again a short wheel base, open rider position, and is fully covered.