Future of Aviation

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Member for

11 years 11 months

Posts: 3

I found a COOL new movie trailer for a documentary about the future of aviation, featuring Burt Rutan, Julie Clark, and Paul Moller.

The posting of the link that was here appears to be an attempt to place unpaid advertising for a fund-raising site. This contravenes the board's CoC - Moggy, Moderator.

From their page: "The film will also shine a light on the introduction of automation into the aviation industry and discover what it will mean for the future of the pilot and civilization."

I'm happy to see a movie talking about the days ahead, hopefully it's a good one! It looks like the film crew is looking for some support.

Original post

Member for

15 years 2 months

Posts: 2,619

I heard someone visited this Moller "factory". There is absolutely nothing going on there.
I recall wankel engines are no longer produced by anyone..this would need 8 of them ?!
I once counted a lite weight transport uses 26 times less fuel ( per stretcher patient ) than a helicopter like the heli-ambulaces are today like EC-135.

No offence, but even if Moller got this flying it would end at the first crash...and most it could possibly sell is 10-20 before the crash takes place. If you invested on this ( like many have ) then good luck...miracles may also happen.

;)

Recall what Burt Rutan says in the video..just about everything can go wrong in this type of device.
This is like the LLRV that Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong trained with...you need to be a top aviator to fly one...and still you get grey hair before 40.

---------

One more thing...someone I know had his dad working at the Moller way back. He said even if they got it flying it has a range about 15 minutes..there is no room for the fuel when 4 people are inside.

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

One more thing...someone I know had his dad working at the Moller way back. He said even if they got it flying it has a range about 15 minutes..there is no room for the fuel when 4 people are inside.

In common with most GA 'four-seaters'

Moggy

Member for

12 years 5 months

Posts: 172

I would be a bit wary of their published figures when they publish this:

Vne ( Never exceeding speed): 270 km/h-146Kts-168 mph
Design maneuvering speed: 300 km/h-162Kts-186 mph

Member for

15 years 2 months

Posts: 2,619

I counted 118 pmpg..that is a high end claim for a 4 seater with fixed gear..not saying...

Wonder if they forgot Brequet range formula ?

Member for

11 years 11 months

Posts: 3

What do you guys think about what they say about "The introduction of automation in aviation?" Do you think automation threatens the livelihood of the commercial pilot and does it flood the skies for general aviation?

Sorry about the previous link. Here's their official site:

I think you are still missing the point

That site is set up to collect donations. It may be worthy and aviation related, but it still is outside the CoC.

We might make exceptions for a regular contributor if they keep it sublte, but as you are what we call a pop-up poster the rules must be upheld - sorry. Moggy, Moderator

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

I would be a bit wary of their published figures when they publish this:

Vne ( Never exceeding speed): 270 km/h-146Kts-168 mph
Design maneuvering speed: 300 km/h-162Kts-186 mph

They seem to be taking a lot of care then?

I hope their design people are a little more alert

Moggy

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Re 3

Except maybe the 180 and again maybe the 160 Gardan Horizon.

John Green

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Re 10

Yes, that is correct. Used to be sold on the basis of constant speed, semi retract, full fuel, four people, non stop South of France. But, not a lot to spare !

John Green

Member for

15 years 2 months

Posts: 2,619

Eh make that 88 pmpg...it was gallons not liters they spent 10 at an hour.