Tina wrote in news:12e3b48e-ac1b-4783-8020-
:

Bertie wrote


Good luck to him! It'll be one of the biggest tech leaps made in a
very
long time

Bertie

Don't think of this is a great technical leap, it's just exploiting
some recent advances in solar cells. It's some nice applied
engineering, and a way of putting a human life at risk on a thrill
ride.


No, it isn't. There are a lot of new technologies as well as some
developed technologies that will all need to work together. The solar
cell issue is the most eye cathcing, but one of th eleast significant.
The structural developments are going to be the most interesting and the
entire system, if it works, is going to be a big step.


Stuff in a moderately stupid computer and GPS, and let the thing do
its trick unmanned with a much smaller payload and no one will be at
risk -- not the pilot, and not those who might have to rescue him.

And no fun.

This really gets filed under the title "Stupid Rich Human Tricks".


Nope, this is one of the more exciting aviation endeavers in years.



For a troll, Bertie, you disappoint me. I expected better. On the
other hand, maybe that's a troll's job.

I may be a troll, but I'm a troll who would saw his right arm off to
have seen Post and Gatty land. To have flown in a Standard with Clyde
Pangborn just once, to have seen Jimmy Wedell or Johnny Livingstone
round the pylons or to have heard the clatter of the first Wright four
banger.

Flying is romance and it';s pointless without it. Unlike it;'s nearest
competitor, sex.
And this endeaver fits the criteria.


Bertie