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More On Silent Supersonic Planes
Reverberant writes "Popular Science describes the latest attempt at developing a supersonic plane designed to minimize sonic booms. The article describes some of the history behind the research, and recent attempts at validating the theory. Also note that researcher Ken Plotkin is a frequent contributer to alt.sci.physics.acoustics."
Pilots rely on more than just being able to see outside. They have literally dozens of instruments that they have to monitor in addition to the view outside. During the night and over the ocean, you have nothing but your insturments to rely on, so it's not like this is a new thing for pilots. Still, if it were ME I would want a window :)
Well, of course. That's why you have backups, and backups for the backups. Likely backups for THOSE. If all those levels of redundency fail, odds are not being able to see is the least of your worries.
TODO: Something witty here...
As the very first paragraph of the article mentioned, one use is for supersonic business jets. Just because the researchers are using a heavily modifed F-15 as a test vehicle doesn't mean it's all for killing things. NASA still uses Titans for launching spaceprobes, even though they were originally designed for launching nuclear warheads. The planes that fly through hurricanes to gather wind speed data probably save lives every time a big one approaches land, but they are still modifed military aircraft.
Yes, this has military applications as well. Lots of things do. The medical resarch you mention has been perverted to war before, for just one example. If you would like to see this knowledge focused on peaceful persuits and shared for the benefit of all, more power to you. It is not going to be possible to share it with businesses across the country and still keep it a military secret. All you have to do to help mankind here is pressure the people talking about applying it to silencing commercial aircraft to keep that promise, and it will make things better for lots of people.
Who is John Cabal?
That's not really true, it's just that most of the changes are more subtle than the flamboyant extravaganza that was Concorde. The newer planes are doing much the same job they did back in '99, but much more efficiently and safely. There's little "Gee Whiz" factor, but technology is sure marching on.
There's more than just technology involved too. I remember an article on Beyond 2000 about BMW's Hydrogen powered 7 series. The technology has been around for decades, but we don't have this stuff on the road due to politics and infrastructure. When the need arises (when the cost/benefit ratio is right) it'll happen. Hopefully all the world saving technology will hit the mainstream before it's too late for the planet.
Disclaimer: Saw Micheal Moore's "The Corporation" the other day... ;)
Forget thrust, drag, lift and weight. Airplanes fly because of money.