http://globalaviationresource.com/v2/2013/08/10/nasas-new-wb-57-n927na-flies/
NASA refurbs a Canberra into a B57.
that is a LOT of wing.
Why?
the wingspan is longer then the plane and the chord is HUGE.
Quote from: LongBlade on August 11, 2013, 08:44:58 PM
Why?
Could it have something to do with this?
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?121774-NASA-WB-57-in-Afghanistan
Maybe the powers that be need one more airframe for whatever missions they have planned.
Quote from: Staggerwing on August 11, 2013, 10:04:27 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on August 11, 2013, 08:44:58 PM
Why?
Could it have something to do with this?
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?121774-NASA-WB-57-in-Afghanistan
Maybe the powers that be need one more airframe for whatever missions they have planned.
Oh, that thought had crossed my mind.
But I remain skeptical.
We pour how many billions of dollars into developing UAVs that can loiter for extended periods of time. Then we de-mothball an old Australian airframe so it can do the same thing.
Something doesn't add up.
My guess is too much money and too many people trying to get a piece of the action.
Airborne mineral mapping... very interesting.
QuoteWe pour how many billions of dollars into developing UAVs that can loiter for extended periods of time. Then we de-mothball an old Australian airframe so it can do the same thing.
Something doesn't add up.
some things do require a hands on approach on the spot that cant be left up to a UAV. they may require actual hands pushing buttons and dials which is why theyre using a 2 seat airframe instread of something like a U-2.