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:
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President
- The responsibility of the President is to ensure that the society runs smoothly. This may include the organisation of meetings with committee members, carrying out necessary administrative work, representing the society, and supervising all society operations.
Treasurer
- The Treasurer is in charge of the finances and budget of the society, including the management of sponsors.
Health and Safety/Welfare Officer
- The Health and Safety Officer is in charge of all safety aspects of the society's operations, from risk assessments to safety equipment. The Welfare officer is the point of contact for society members who wish to discuss matters troubling them.
Head of Avionics
- The avionics team leader is responsible for both R&D, manufacture, and maintenance of electronic instrumentation used during flight operations. For example, radio-control of the aerodynamic surfaces, or wireless aircraft to ground station interfaces. The avionics team may request design or manufacturing team's assistance in meeting goals.
Head of Design
- The Design team leader. Responsible for overseeing the operation of the design team, including R&D efforts, CFD/FEA simulations, etc. for the purpose of improving the society's aeroplane(s).
Head of Flight
- The Head of Flight is responsible for overseeing pilot training, organising flying days/events/trips and appearances at competitions. The Head of Flight is responsible for managing ground crew/pilots and if necessary, delegating responsible members of the society to lead the ground crew.
Head of Manufacturing
- The Manufacturing team leader is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing team, who will typically focus on manufacturing and assembling the dreams of the design team, carrying out aircraft maintenance, and general rigging of the aircraft.
Lead Engineer
- The Lead Engineer should have a general awareness of how the entire society operates, including both "home" activities and "away" activity on the airfield. The Lead Engineer directly oversees the efforts of the manufacturing, design, and avionics teams.
Secretary
- The secretary of the society is responsible for handling the society's communications, outreach, and social media.
Social Secretary
- The events and social manager is in charge of organizing all of the society's non-aircraft elated social activities, such as tours, social events, parties and merchandise. May or may not share duties with Secretary.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full annual membership | £10.00 | 20/09/2025 - 19/09/2026 | Full access to flying sessions, regular meetings and events (excluding pilot's insurance) | |
| Trial and social membership | FREE | 20/09/2025 - 19/09/2026 | Full access to flying sessions, society events and meetings for two months - access to social events for the remainder of the membership | |
| SUES + Full Human Powered Aircraft Paid Membership 25/26 | £17.50 | 22/09/2025 - 22/08/2026 | This is a discounted SUES membership + SUHPA full annual membership. This membership makes a direct donation to SUHPA, covering their member fees while giving you a discounted SUES membership as thanks for engaging with the community. This membership will give you all the benefits of the paid SUES membership. All in all, its excellent value for money if you plan to make the most of the year! |
Products
Available products to purchase for Human Powered Aircraft
Constitution
All SUSU clubs & societies must have a Constitution which governs how they run
Download ConstitutionPrivacy Notice
All SUSU clubs & societies must have a Privacy Notice which describes how they use personal data collected
Download Privacy NoticeHealth & 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: