Susano Posted January 25, 2010 Report Share Posted January 25, 2010 The rather unusual-looking craft would be especially handy for military applications. Its extremely low heat signature would make it difficult to detect in the air, and the fact that it’s whisper quiet doesn’t hurt, either. In fact, because it’s so quiet similar technology may be used for commercial transportation in the future. The lack of loud, emissions-heavy aircraft engines would mean that airports could be situated closer to city centers and even residential areas. And if we can’t have personal jet packs, then personal aircraft would be the next best thing. More: http://gajitz.com/nasas-ultra-efficient-super-quiet-one-man-electric-aircraft/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RexMundi Posted January 25, 2010 Report Share Posted January 25, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft Hmmm. (0% of the folks on the road, can't drive. You want me to trust them in the Air? Texting away on their Blackberry? *Shudders* Good pic though. Have an idea for that one *swipe* ...... ~Rex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristopher Posted January 25, 2010 Report Share Posted January 25, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft If 0% can't drive... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSgt Baloo Posted January 25, 2010 Report Share Posted January 25, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft If 0% can't drive... Yes, even fewer can fly. Frightening, isn't it? Seriously, cool plane. Repped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RexMundi Posted January 26, 2010 Report Share Posted January 26, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft Bah, Stupid typos. That was meant to be a 90%. My typing is composed of Epic Fail. BUT, I can drive. ~Rex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Weapon Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft "with a range of just 50 miles," "the range could be doubled by 2017." "cruise at around 150 miles per hour" So even in 7 years they'll only have a 40 minute endurance. It doesn't look like it's got much of a glide ratio either. What they desperately need is a system to reverse the function of the props from engines to generators. When it comes into land without power (as will eventually happen with such a short ranged vehicle) it can bleed off the downward velocity then use the power for a last upward surge. [edit just read the original article in Scientific American where they mention a 240 to 320 km (150 to 200 mile) range by 2017. This assumes at least a tripling of battery power. A 1 to 1 1/2 hour endurance sounds a lot better. But it STILL needs the generators.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusterBoy Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft Meh. Look at the hype surrounding the Moller Skycar and that still hasn't become a commerical reality yet. I think this will suffer the same fate, barring something truly serendipitous. Looks crackerjack though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSgt Baloo Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft I still think it's a perfect transport for your flightless heroes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cancer Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft No armament or bomb racks at this point, either. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Weapon Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft No armament or bomb racks at this point' date=' either. Sigh.[/quote'] Had to leave something to sell aftermarket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susano Posted February 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft Is there a nuclear option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Weapon Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft The amazing thing is how little space you need to avoid a collision if you can just pull up and reverse thrust. This thing can go to a dead stop in less than 150m vertical and 150m horizontal even assuming you only do a 4.5 G turn upwards with 1 G reverse thrust (and we know it can do 1 G reverse thrust because it needs 1 G forward thrust to take off). If you want it to keep relatively close to it's previous altitude for traffic purposes it still only takes less than 320m to stop 80m/s (approx. top speed). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wcw43921 Posted March 6, 2010 Report Share Posted March 6, 2010 Re: The Puffin: A Personal Aircraft Here's another possible future aircraft-- It's supposed to be electric powered--just the thing for getting around an O'Neill-type space colony, or maybe a Jupiter-sized Dyson sphere. More about it here-- http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/u-fly-personal-aircraft-concept-to-live-the-dream-of-flying-like-a-bird/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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