In 1980, when Igor Sikorsky made a human powered helicopter, it seemed that the record would last forever. However, tables turned at the time when a team from Maryland made a human powered helicopter, which is named as Gamora II.

Sikorsky was able to keep his helicopter in the air for 19 seconds, and seeing the complexities involved, the $250,000 Sikorsky prize was initiated. On June 21, 2012, the record was broken as the Gamora was able to remain up in the air for 50 seconds.

It should be noted that it was not able to claim the prize, as it was unable to meet some of the prime requirements, like weight of equipment and minimum altitude requirement. Gamora II is quite light and flies with the help of arms and legs attached with it.

Maryland team has revealed that they will further conduct research and do all the needed hard work and will surely claim the prize next time. It seems that the Maryland researchers know that the competition is tough, as they are not alone in the list, which are lingering for the prize. There are two other teams, which are working to make sure that they are able to get the prize.