Human Powered Aircraft
The Southampton University Human Powered Aircraft Society (SUHPA) designs, builds and tests its own human powered aircraft. These flying machines are powered exclusively by the pedaling of their pilot, and represent an enormous engineering challenge. The Society is currently developing its Super Lazarus and Channel Crosser aircraft designs. We compete in the Icarus Cup Competition every year and have won numerous awards.
Welcome to SUHPA! We are a group of students building our own human powered aircraft. We are currently working on two aircraft: the "Super Lazarus" and the "Channel Crosser".
The Super Lazarus boasts a wingspan similar to a private jet (26m), mass of only 40 kg, and the legs of the pilot as its sole powerplant. This aircraft has successfully flown during the last three Icarus Cup Competitions, a HPA competition organised by the British Human Powered Flying Club. Super Lazarus undergoes constant upgrades and improvements, so join us for a chance to get hands on and help fly it higher in 2025!
Channel Crosser is our new and innovative aircraft. Designed to take on a serious challenge, crossing the British Channel. Last achieved by a HPA in 1979, we are returning a human powered aircraft to the channel’s skies. We are building this aircraft from the ground up, come join a piece of history.
We have three main teams working on our aircraft that you can get involved with: the design team, the manufacturing team, and the avionics team.
We are the only student team flying HPAs at the moment, but soon we may have some friendly competition with Strathyclyde as they develop their own aircraft.
Photo Gallery
The Committee
All clubs and societies within the Students' Union are run entirely by students. The student committee for Human Powered Aircraft this year are:
Head of Avionics
Head of Design
Head of Flight
Head of Manufacturing
Health and Safety/Welfare Officer
Lead Engineer
President
Secretary
Social Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Information
These are the current membership fees offered by Human Powered Aircraft, although many clubs and societies offer a free period for new members to try out their activities.
| Name | Cost | Valid Period | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year membership | £10.00 | 08/09/2024 - 31/08/2025 | 1 years membership of the society, giving access to all events and activites |
Products
Available products to purchase for Human Powered Aircraft
Constitution
All SUSU clubs & societies must have a Constitution which governs how they run
Download ConstitutionHealth & Safety
All clubs & societies are required to risk assess their activity to ensure it is carried out in a safe manner for members. Current risk assessments for Human Powered Aircraft are available to view below
Upcoming Events
Check out our upcoming events below: