Frog Head Flyer
An example of Greenback`s egotism, the FHF closely resembles its owner
int he upper surfaces - though the pedal extremities are somewhat idiosyncratic.
(Or, to use Penfold`s words, "it`s got funny feet!") Stiletto is also responsible for providing the motive power which comes
from a large radial fan providing downward thrust to propel the FHF upwards.
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The feet are used to provide a high lift-off speed and a low-velocity
touch-down. they also have buitl in buoyancy - though the proving trials
mostely proved that this was a disadvantage.
The three-man (well, two-man and a caterpillar)(well, one toad, one crow
and a caterpillar, actually) crew were only saved when Greenback persuaded
Stiletto to drink the contents of the Lower Bumbling village pond which
had been chosen as the test site.
the fan, in turn, is pwered by the uncoiling of a powerful elastic band
(catapult rubber, Grade I) pre-wound by a specially adapted bicyle.
On one occasion the ratchet mechanism slipped during the winding operation
and, apart from demolishing a three-foot thick granite wall, Stiletto
achieved a new world cycle record by covering 1.5 miles in 55 seconds
from a standing start.
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