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Pathfinder Aircraft in Flight
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Pathfinder Aircraft in Flight
The Pathfinder research aircrafts wing structure was clearly defined as it soared under a clear blue sky during a test flight July 27, 1995, from Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The center section and outer wing panels of the aircraft had ribs constructed of thin plastic foam, while the ribs in the inner wing panels are fabricated from lightweight composite material. Developed by AeroVironment, Inc. the Pathfinder was one of several unmanned aircraft being evaluated under NASAs Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. Pathfinder was a lightweight, solar-powered, remotely piloted flying wing aircraft used to demonstrate the use of solar power for long- duration, high-altitude flight. Its name denotes its mission as the " Pathfinder" or first in a series of solar-powered aircraft that will be able to remain airborne for weeks or months on scientific sampling and imaging missions. Solar arrays covered most of the upper wing surface of the Pathfinder aircraft. These arrays provided up to 8, 000 watts of power at high noon on a clear summer day. That power fed the aircrafts six electric motors as well as its avionics, communications, and other electrical systems. Pathfinder also had a backup battery system that could provide power for two to five hours, allowing for limited-duration flight after dark. Pathfinder flew at airspeeds of only 15 to 20 mph. Pitch control was maintained by using tiny elevators on the trailing edge of the wing while turns and yaw control were accomplished by slowing down or speeding up the motors on the outboard sections of the wing. On September 11, 1995, Pathfinder set a new altitude record for solar- powered aircraft of 50, 567 feet above Edwards Air Force Base, California, on a 12-hour flight. On July 7, 1997, it set another, unofficial record of 71, 500 feet at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. In 1998, Pathfinder was modified into the longer-winged Pathfinder Plus configuration
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Dryden Pathfinder Solar Powered
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This print captures the Pathfinder Aircraft in Flight, showcasing its impressive wing structure as it soars gracefully under a clear blue sky during a test flight on July 27,1995. Developed by AeroVironment, Inc. , the Pathfinder was part of NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. This lightweight, solar-powered flying wing aircraft aimed to demonstrate the potential of solar power for long-duration, high-altitude flights. The wings of the Pathfinder were equipped with solar arrays that covered most of their upper surface, providing an astonishing 8,000 watts of power at high noon on sunny days. This abundant energy powered six electric motors and various electrical systems onboard. Additionally, the aircraft had a backup battery system capable of sustaining limited-duration flight after dark. With its innovative design and advanced technology, the Pathfinder achieved remarkable feats. On September 11th, 1995, it set a new altitude record for solar-powered aircraft by reaching an impressive height of 50,567 feet above Edwards Air Force Base in California during a twelve-hour flight. Furthermore, on July 7th, 1997 – this time at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai Hawaii – it unofficially soared even higher to reach an astounding altitude of 71,500 feet. Pathfinder paved the way as NASA's "first" or "pathfinder" solar-powered aircraft series designed for extended scientific sampling and imaging missions lasting weeks or even months. Its success led to further modifications into the longer-winged Pathfinder Plus configuration in subsequent years.
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