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

Posted by Soulskill on from the boy-are-my-arms-tired dept.

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.

2 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. Odd by hcdejong · · Score: 3, Interesting

    None of the four planes entered won the $50,000 prize; the best attempt achieved 28.8 miles per gallon.

    versus

    The "Prius of airplanes," the 100-horsepower-engine Pipistrel typically can go as fast as 170 mph and get 50 miles to the gallon.

    So wasn't the Pipistrel Viper entered in the mileage competition, and why not if it'd have easily won?

  2. Will these innovations ever be adopted? by hcdejong · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The general aviation industry has advanced at a glacial pace ever since WW2, and it got worse with the excesses of litigation that almost put the GA manufacturers out of business. Electronic fuel injection is still regarded as newfangled and unproven, for instance.
    I know there are reasons for this (basically, developing an all-new engine that conforms to the safety standards can't be afforded the industry), but the end result is that any innovation seen in this competition will be viewed with deep distrust by the GA industry, and in 10 years, non-experimental GA planes will still be no more advanced than they are today.