White Dwarf (dirigible)

The White Dwarf is a human-powered dirigible built in 1984 that set several world records.

Development
The White Dwarf was commissioned and funded by comedian Gallagher, whose interest in airships was sparked by a radio-controlled flying watermelon prop he used in his stage act. It was constructed by Bill Watson, who was part of the team that built the Gossamer Albatross human-powered craft.

Design
The dirigible features a teardrop-shaped lift bag. The aluminum fuselage is a truss design with a single pilot seat on top with a chain-driven pusher propeller, 64 inches in length, positioned in front of a rudder. It weighs 150 lbs.

Operational history
The White Dwarf set several world records with pilot (and engine) Bryan Allen. It was flown a distance of 58.08 mi in 8 hours and 50 minutes.