Potential aerial recon vehicle

[mmartin798]

Sometimes, reality give us cool toys.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_GL...ased_Lightning

Seems a great fit for 4th edition considering that it is electrically powered.

[RandyT0001]

Two diesel generators (8hp) and 10 electric motors driving props. It would be nice if it used solar power generated electricity.

[stormlion1]

With the sheer number of electric quadcopters with cameras on the civvie market I would think those would be the way to go.

[cosmicfish]

Seems like a decent idea to have a few vehicles like this scattered across the Project... depending on the payload (which I cannot find anywhere)! I agree that Morrow versions would go all-electrics and likely supplement the batteries with wing/fuselage solar panels, but realistically this is a technology demonstrator, not a prototype for a reconnaissance vehicle - anything worthwhile would be based on this, but wouldn't actually be this.

[cosmicfish]

Originally Posted by stormlion1

With the sheer number of electric quadcopters with cameras on the civvie market I would think those would be the way to go.

I agree, if we are talking about tactical reconnaissance near an operating Team. Something on this scale would be used for strategic reconnaissance, operating under Prime Base's purview. The US military has a bunch of small, portable UAV's used at the platoon level, but they also have Global Hawks flying at 60,000 ft! Different tools for different jobs.

[RandyT0001]

How hard would it be to replace the pilot in the Solar Impulse with cameras and a remote control system?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Impulse

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 21.85 m (71.7 ft)
Wingspan: 63.4 m (208 ft)
Height: 6.40 m (21.0 ft)
Wing area: 11,628 photovoltaic cells rated at 45 kW peak: 200 m2 (2,200 sq ft)
Aspect ratio: 19.7
Loaded weight: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × electric motors, 4 x 21 kWh lithium-ion batteries (450 kg), providing 7.5 kW (10 HP) each
Propeller diameter: 3.5 m at 200 to 400 rpm (11 ft)
Take-off speed: 35 kilometres per hour (22 mph)

Performance
Cruise speed: 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph)
Endurance: 36 hours (projected)
Service ceiling: 8,500 m (27,900 ft) with a maximum altitude of 12,000 metres (39,000 ft)

[cosmicfish]

Originally Posted by RandyT0001

How hard would it be to replace the pilot in the Solar Impulse with cameras and a remote control system?

Who knows? Too many variables for this engineer.

Honestly, though, there gets to be a point where it makes more sense to just take a Predator (or similar large prop UAV) and give it a fusion plant. You're not weather dependent, and the power available translates into a larger payload for sensors and/or weapons.