|
Mothra
AWES6964 Proving Mothra-Tech Capabilities in
Water, Snow, (and Sand)
Sept. 6, 2012
Mothra1 shows an amazing ability to lift itself from under a great
over-burden, like wet-sand. Its expected it will also progressively launch
from water, if just the nose floats above the surface to initiate
inflation. Similarly, if covered with snow, Mothra can launch anyway.
KiteLab established in 2008 that soft kites shed ice by natural flexing.
Conventional aircraft wings, of course, must be pre-swept of snow and/or
deiced by more complex means.
A Mothra demonstration launch from water is being planned and will be
attempted as opportunity presents. Anchors will be set during low-tide,
the incoming tide* will cover the kite, which will then be launched. The
anchors will be recovered when the tide retreats. Perhaps someday offshore
AWES will rest underwater during calm, launch like breeching whales, and
need seasonal scrubbing of algae and barnacles.
Pure submerged operation of Mothra technology in currents is another realm
to explore. Rope and rags are far less bothered by submarine conditions
than more-complex systems.
CoolIP*
~Dave Santos Sept.
6, 2012
AWES6964
* the tidal flux runs 2-3m here in Ilwaco, WA
Comment and development of this topic will be occurring here.
All, send notes, drawings, and photographs!
|