Burt Rutan's newest aircraft design - the SkiGull

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Burt Rutan's latest aircraft design, the SkiGull, focusing on its innovative features, including an electric docking system and its potential advantages over traditional seaplanes. The conversation touches on aspects of design secrecy, crowdfunding efforts, and community interest in the project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the SkiGull's unique docking system, which utilizes electric motors for maneuverability in docking situations, potentially enhancing safety during engine failure scenarios.
  • Others inquire about the availability of sketches or models, indicating interest in the design's visual aspects.
  • One participant notes that sketches exist but are not being released due to Rutan's desire for secrecy until the first test flights.
  • There is mention of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign associated with the project, with updates on its progress towards the funding goal.
  • A participant questions the use of inches as a measurement unit in a scientific context, suggesting a possible preference for metric units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the SkiGull and its features, but there is no consensus on the appropriateness of measurement units used in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes limitations regarding the availability of design sketches and the ongoing nature of the crowdfunding campaign, which may affect the information shared.

Who May Find This Useful

Aerospace enthusiasts, individuals interested in innovative aircraft designs, and those following crowdfunding projects in aviation may find this discussion relevant.

aaronhowell
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Burt Rutan is at it again with a new plane the SkiGull -

"Its docking system is two, 5” diameter electric motors each driving a 27” diameter folding prop. These self-contained units (Off-the-shelf motor, controller, batteries used for giant RC models) mount on each wing. They provide forward or reverse thrust to allow backing up or rotating when docking/beaching in winds. Since the SkiGull has an L/D of 23 (it looks more like a motor glider than other seaplanes/floatplanes), its electric docking system can fly it about 8 miles, which greatly reduces the risk of an engine failure, particularly when operating out of small tree-lined lakes. Every other seaplane has to crash straight forward when an engine fails early in the climb, a SkiGull can fly back to downwind & land on the lake into the wind."

NBC did a nice piece on the article - http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovat...an-talks-about-skigull-his-next-plane-n321916
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Interesting. Are there any sketches or models yet?
 
There are sketches, but we have been asked not to release them as Burt wishes to keep the plane secret until it's first test flights. I will keep the thread updated.
 
So you starting this thread is meant to help out the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign...?

AntennaFilms is sharing details to whet the appetite for the project's Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. About halfway into the monthlong campaign, the effort has raised about half of its $80,000 goal.
 
Just thought people might be interest - that campaign ends tomorrow, and I will keep the thread updated into the future, there is a ton of information on the plane, but I just posted what might spark people's interest in learning more - here is a better link perhaps:http://aerosociety.com/News/Insight-Blog/2957/Rutan-film-aims-to-inspire-next-generation
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why do we use inches in a science forum again?
 

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