Project Quetzal Mk.I — Pterosaur-inspired Human Flight Exoskeleton: A Proof-of-Concept Study

This paper presents a proof-of-concept engineering study for a pterosaur-inspired human flight exoskeleton, designated Project Quetzal Mk.I. We demonstrate that convergent constraints between large Late Cretaceous pterosaurs — specifically Quetzalcoatlus northropi — and modern adult humans (body mass 80–100 kg) establish a paleobiologically inferred aerodynamic envelope within which unpowered soaring and electrically assisted flight suggests aerodynamic feasibility under idealised conditions.

A systematic comparison of candidate biological templates is performed using four engineering metrics: glide ratio, anthropometric integration, launch feasibility, and structural scalability. The pterosaur planform is identified as the superior template for body integration, complemented by albatross-derived wing aspect-ratio ptimisation.

A parametric mass budget, wing-loading analysis, and propulsion endurance model are presented for a reference configuration: 10 m wingspan, 9.75 m² wing area, carbon-fibre/titanium exo-frame, aramid-graphene composite membrane, twin 15 kW ducted-fan electric motors, and a 4 kg lithium-sulfur battery pack yielding 2,000 Wh.

The analysis supports aerodynamic plausibility under contemporary material constraints, identifies takeoff and structural gust-load management as primary engineering challenges, and proposes an AI-assisted flight-control architecture to compensate for human neuromuscular latency limitations. A three-year technology roadmap and a regulatory engagement strategy (EASA/FAA ultralight experimental category) are outlined. The study is intended as an open foundation for aeronautical students and researchers.