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The South Korean Air Force has successfully developed a human-powered aircraft (HPA), which is powdered by direct human energy.

The HPA, known as Sky Runner, weighing 40kg, has a wingspan of 30m, and relies solely on thrust provided by the pilot pedalling during take-off and flight, according to Xinhua news agency.

The Sky Runner, during two separate preliminary flight tests held last September at the air force academy in central South Korea, had successfully covered 150m and 100m.

Lt. Col. Choi Seong-ok said the flying distance was short but could be improved through systematic pilot training.

The South Korean Air Force has become the fifth nation in the world to develop an HPA, after the US, Britain, Japan and Germany.