"5Z" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Feb 15, 12:45 pm, "bumper" wrote:
Dave Nadler's Antares electric self-launch was one of the hits of the SSA
convention.

Another cool thing was that they could actually run the engine (at
idle) in the exhibit hall!

-Tom


Yeah, but did you notice the propwash was aimed at all those vintage gliders
(grin). When they got a bit more rambunctious with the "throttle" setting,
those drapes on the dividers separating the two display areas started to
look like a wind sock!

Oh, another thing I forgot to mention, when they turn off the prop, the prop
rapidly "steps" backwards, maybe 10 degrees at a time being driven by the
motor in reverse to get to the vertical for retraction. Suppose there's no
advantage over just moving forward into position - - but it does look cool
as it's unexpected and reminds you that HAL is in charge.

bumper