4 ms·
> the principle beneficiaries of lightweighting materials and solar (or small-engine) aircraft + nav & comms capabilities will be in warfare and surveillance ap
by carabiner 4y ago
> the principle beneficiaries of lightweighting materials and solar (or small-engine) aircraft + nav & comms capabilities will be in warfare and surveillance applications
Isn't that the explicit reason these technologies were developed? Just as 7000 series aluminum and carbon fiber were made for fighter aircraft before they trickled down to iPhones and golf clubs.
- InCityDreams 4y ago> before they trickled down to iPhones and golf clubs. Oh, and $€10k bicycle frames.
- dredmorbius 4y agoI don't believe military capabilities were high on the reported benefits of the Gossamer Albatross or Solar Challenger at the time. Contemporaneous account: <https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/17/archives/over-the-waves-in-a-flying-bike.html https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/17/archives/over-the-waves-i...> There was a long article in National Geographic at the time (where I likely saw it). I don't know if that's online though it appeared in the November 1979 issue: <https://nationalgeographicbackissues.com/product/national-geographic-november-1979/ https://nationalgeographicbackissues.com/product/national-ge...> Internet Archive doesn't appear to have the issue.