NASA Spends $25M On Unmanned Planes, Awards Aviation Prizes

An anonymous reader points out a NetworkWorld story about NASA's purchase of two unmanned aircraft for use in "observing remote locations of Earth not feasible or practical with piloted aircraft." The planes are Northrop Grumman Global Hawks, and NASA selected them for their extreme range and the fact that most other unmanned vehicles don't have the FAA's approval for regular use over the US. NASA also distributed prizes for its General Aviation Challenge this weekend. The goals of the challenge include improving fuel efficiency in aviation, reducing emissions, and aircraft safety. None of the teams were able to achieve the $50,000 prize for managing 30 miles per gallon, but the top team was able to complete the 400-mile course at 28.8 miles per gallon.

Comments

Hyper mailing and tailgating

[LiquidCoooled]

Wait until the drones start hypermiling and catching the draft of passing jets.
Then we will see MPG figures increase.

Of course someone with a honda will just tape wings onto their car and beat it hands down, but they tend to be frowned upon.

Re:Hyper mailing and tailgating

[Fumus]

Why not just use imperial gallons and watch as the MPG skyrockets.

Needs better diet.

[BitterOldGUy]

The shoe-in to win the green prize--a team with a novel "omnivore" biodiesel engine capable of flying on french fry oil--pulled out of the race at the last minute because of a mechanical problem.

No wonder! We all know that french-fry oil clogs up arteries. That plane needs to be put on an engine healthy fuel. Lower saturated fats should be used. Otherwise, on take-off and landing - high stress parts of flight - that poor plane will put a wing up to its fuselage and just die.