Presentation: February 2014

This month's AE presenter: David
Date of presentation: 24-Feb-2014
Subject: Burt Rutan
Description: David's presentation for February was a discussion of the life and achievements of legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan.  He began with biographical information about how Mr. Rutan got started in the design field, then discussed a number of his most significant aircraft designs.

Aerospace Minute by David

On 27 January, David talked about the SR-72, a new spy plane proposed by Lockheed Martin. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology (AW & ST), the SR-72 will be a high altitude, high speed UAV similar in concept to the SR-71. The article pointed out that the trend in combat aircraft is back to "high and fast". McNamara had changed strategy from high and fast to low altitude and stealth when Gary Powers was shot down. This was based on fear of the SA-200 and Mig-25. This resulted in chines added to the SR-71, canted vertical stabilizers, and radar absorbing paint. The fears were unfounded due to ineffectiveness of the USSR's defenses. Primary focus of the F-22 is speed, altitude, and air combat with stealth a secondary objective. In the same spirit, the SR-72 will focus on altitude and speed, with stealth a secondary objective.  Note that this article in AW & ST was an editorial, so opinions here may have been highly subjective!

Contacted Local School to Promote AEX Program

On 26 January, David contacted the science teacher at a local grade school, CAS, about participation in CAP's AEX program. The teacher was enthusiastic about participation, indicating that it might be a good fit for the physics curriculum. He would include this in the lesson plans for next year. David also discussed the fly-a-teacher program, but he was not interested in that activity. Next Steps: Collect links describing the AEX program and email to the teacher.