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11-Pound Model Plane Vs. The Atlantic, Again

Posted by timothy on from the admirable-hobby dept.

Luap Nanreffeh writes "Last year, (/. Story 1, /. story 2) Maynard Hill and some retired NASA buddies tried to set a record for flying a model aeroplane across the atlantic ocean (from Newfoundland to Ireland). Their plan, using GPS, onboard controllers, and a gallon of gas, would have been the first to cross the Atlantic under FAI rules. They didn't have much luck last year, but now they're at it again. The first launch should be tonight."

6 of 301 comments (clear)

  1. The real question... by Quasar1999 · · Score: -1, Troll

    ...is the GPS software running linux?

    --

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    Programming is like sex... Make one mistake and support it the rest of your life.
  2. This is as interesting as rocketry by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll
    There are so many considerations they have to take into account in order to get the thing to go -- weight of the plane (obviously they're using composites and miniaturized electronics, and avoiding fatty food), aerodynamics, weather, and even the mix of petrol has to be taken into account by our intrepid adventurers.

    In its own way, it's like coding for embedded devices, but higher up and with a propeller. I'd think more geeks would be into it, especially with all the equipment you get to work with.

  3. Big deal... by zx-6e · · Score: 0, Troll

    Bah, a plane is easy. I want them to try to fly a model helicoptor across the big pond...

  4. bah, simple to do. by SubtleNuance · · Score: 0, Troll

    I thought anyone with a few bucks and a few days could do that kinda thing no problem? Why would a bunch of retired NASA guys be wasting there time with this? Geeze, a self-directed, small plane capable of flying the atlantic is *sooo simple*. one could even be built to carry reasonable payload of some kind if one wished.

  5. Wrong. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    goatsex, penis bird, tubgirl, page widening, etc. are crapflooding, not trolling. There haven't been any real trolls on Slashdot for two or three years now. Which is a shame, because some of them were pretty funny. The idiots who post here now are just wastes of space.

  6. shoot it down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    these nerds need to be taught a lesson