We are sure you have tried flying a paper airplane before, but these guys from Pima Air & Space Museum were able to fly one 2,703 feet from the ground.
The paper aircraft, however, is not an ordinary one. Measuring 45 feet long with a wingspan of 24 feet, the giant paper airplane called Arturo’s Desert Eagle was really crafted to hover Arizona Desert. It was made of thick layers of falcon board, similar to the corrugated board comprising pizza boxes. The plane was designed by Arturo Valdenegro, a 12-year-old and the plane’s namesake, and Art Thompson, a co-designer of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
A Sikorsky S58T helicopter propelled it to the sky, or rather, let it loose to fly. Seven to 10 seconds was all it took for Arturo’s Desert Eagle to fly up to 100mph, but its fate was not as glorious: its tail succumbed to air pressure, leading to its crash.
The Inspiration Behind Arturo’s Desert Eagle
The inspiration for this extraordinary project came from a paper airplane contest held by the Pima Air & Space Museum. Arturo Valdenegro won the contest, which earned him the opportunity to work with Art Thompson on designing and building the giant paper airplane. The project aimed to inspire young minds to engage in aeronautics and engineering, showcasing that even simple childhood activities like making paper airplanes can lead to significant scientific and engineering achievements.
Arturo’s Desert Eagle was not just a whimsical project; it was a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of encouraging young talent. The collaboration between a young student and an experienced engineer like Art Thompson highlighted the potential for mentorship and the sharing of knowledge across generations.
The Engineering Marvel
Constructing a 45-foot-long paper airplane was no small feat. The team had to consider various engineering challenges, such as ensuring the structural integrity of the plane and its ability to withstand the forces of flight. The use of falcon board, a material similar to the corrugated board used in pizza boxes, was a strategic choice. This material provided the necessary strength while keeping the plane lightweight.
The design process involved multiple iterations and tests. The team had to ensure that the plane’s aerodynamics were optimized for flight. This included fine-tuning the wingspan, adjusting the center of gravity, and reinforcing critical areas to prevent structural failure. The involvement of Art Thompson, with his experience in designing advanced aircraft like the B-2 Stealth Bomber, was crucial in overcoming these challenges.
The launch of Arturo’s Desert Eagle was a carefully orchestrated event. The Sikorsky S58T helicopter played a vital role in getting the plane airborne. The helicopter lifted the giant paper airplane to a significant altitude before releasing it. This method ensured that the plane had enough height to glide and achieve its impressive flight distance of 2,703 feet.
Despite its eventual crash, the flight of Arturo’s Desert Eagle was a remarkable achievement. The plane reached speeds of up to 100mph in just seven to 10 seconds, demonstrating the effectiveness of its design and the potential for large-scale paper airplanes.
The project received widespread attention and was covered by various media outlets. It served as an inspiration for many young enthusiasts and highlighted the importance of creativity and innovation in the field of aeronautics.
via Geekosystem
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