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August 16th, 2003, 05:27 AM
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Shrapnel Fanatic
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
The plane could have been powered by solar panels.  Or just some batteries. Modern types of batteries have very long charge times now. Probably a combination of the two. |
August 16th, 2003, 06:11 AM
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National Security Advisor
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
Quote:
Originally posted by Jack Simth:
Actually, you could have a computer controlling it.
The controls would take:
1) Electronic Altimeter
2) Electronic Level Monitor
3) Electronic Compass
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Actually the GPS which you mentioned for number 4 would multi-task quite well for these three also. GPS gives positional references in three dimensions and with GPS you don't need a compass.
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August 16th, 2003, 06:21 AM
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Major General
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
Quote:
Originally posted by geoschmo:
Actually the GPS which you mentioned for number 4 would multi-task quite well for these three also. GPS gives positional references in three dimensions and with GPS you don't need a compass.
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So GPS also returns the relative angles of the unit? Good to know.
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August 16th, 2003, 09:38 AM
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
but still, no news press? admitadly, they miss things, but they seem pretty on the ball on people crossing oceans and lakes and the english channel.
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August 16th, 2003, 09:45 AM
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Shrapnel Fanatic
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
It is not interesting enough to help with Ratings or ad revenue, so they probably ignored it.
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August 16th, 2003, 12:23 PM
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BANNED USER
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
Quote:
Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
The plane could have been powered by solar panels. Or just some batteries. Modern types of batteries have very long charge times now. Probably a combination of the two.
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The artical describes the engine and fule. There is no mention of Solar Cells. |
August 16th, 2003, 02:05 PM
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Re: OT: Trans-Atlantic Model Airplane
Batteries would not return as much power for their weight as fuel would. Gasoline really is a wonderful fuel source: portable, easily obtained, efficient, relatively stable, and of a tolerable level of toxicity. It is not only fortunate that certain processes led to it's widespread abundance, it is essential for the industrial development of humanity.
GPS only returns 'facing' based on movement. Since the plane will not always move in the direction it's facing (wind), I suspect they also had a compass on there.
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