The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC), 1220 American Blvd., West Chester, recently added two Kitty Hawk Flyers to its collection. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, gifts from their inventor, Kitty Hawk Corporation in Palo Alto, Calif., were intended to serve as recreational vehicles. Museum visitors have opportunities to sit in one of the Flyers, and the other is on display at the museum's entrance.

The lightweight, single-seat aircraft are each eight feet long and 13 feet wide and are powered by 10 lithium polymer batteries. Their 10 direct current (DC) electric motors drive 10 double-bladed, 47-inch diameter rotors. Their maximum speed of 30 miles per hour allows for 15 to 20 minutes of flight.

The Kitty Hawk Flyer's slim, open cockpit allows for the occupants' legs to stretch forward, reminiscent of a drag racing car. A two-inch control stick operates the machine that sports 10 rotors just inches away from the seat. It is so easy to fly that pilots do not need a license or much more than about two hours of instruction.

AHMEC will offer its first helicopter rides on World Helicopter Day, Sunday, Aug. 15, from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or visit http://www.americanhelicopter.museum for more information.