Presentation: June 2016

This month's AE presenter: David

Date of presentation: 27-June-2016

Subject: The Stratolaunch Aircraft

Description: The Stratolaunch is a dual-fuselage, 6-engined aircraft designed to carry spacecraft to high altitudes for an aerial launch. It is under construction with a planned first-flight in late 2016. The all-composite aircraft's conceptual design was by Burt Rutan, and the intial project funding came from Paul Allen. When complete, it will be the largest aircraft (by wingspan) to ever fly. Engines and flight controls came from two Boeing 747's. It will be capable of launching spacecraft up to 500,000lb in weight. Potential spacecraft include the Dream Chaser IIS resupply ship.

Presentation: May 2014

This month's AE presenter: David
Date of presentation: 12-May-2014
Subject: Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne
Description: In February, David talked about the career an accomplishments of aviation pioneer Burt Rutan. May's presentation was a in-depth look at his crowning achievement, SpaceShipOne. SpaceShipOne is the first privately funded manned spacecraft. Tech mogul Paul Alan funded the project, the objective wast to compete for the Ansari X-prize. The spacecraft successfully crossed the recognized threshold of space, 100km, two times in two weeks carrying a pilot and sandbags to simulate two passengers. Innovative technology was used including wings and engine. The wings folded upwards to 65deg to allow for a slow, controlled re-entry. This negated the need for extensive heat shielding. The engine was a hybrid, with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer flowing over a core of solid rubber as the propellent. This combined solid rocket motor stability and safety with the ability to stop and restart normally associated with liquid fuel motors. SpaceShipOne made three flights, and now hangs in the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum.

Aerospace Bulletin Board

On 14-Apr-2014, David set up an AE bulletin board with a display on Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne. The display highlights the record breaking flights and emphasizes the spacecraft's innovative technology.

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.