READ: My 2 cents on viewing.
First off, i would like to say that the viewing was everything i expected. I did not expect like some that this would be built and completed floating at the airport. I don't know how some made the assumption. I figured you would be able to see the rigid airship: skin, photovoltaic sheeting, propulsion system, and frame. I did not expect whatsoever for this to be completed.
I thought the viewing was successful. There were about 5 busloads of attendees, each carrying a max of 50 people. Not only were there local news sources attending, there were also ABC, FOX, and Reuters in attendance as well.
The presentation was good to say the least. The team was very optimistic on Sanswire1 actually being completed and the working prototype being successful. The only doubt cast amongst attendees was the fact that, and Tim Huff made this very clear, FAA approval is needed and this can be a lengthy process.
It seems as though they decided to scratch the gondola idea and move to disassembling Sanswire1, transport it to Palmdale (where they already have a hanger and where the X-33 was built), then fly and launch it to and from Edwards (2508 complex).
For those who may want to research further (names/companies):
-Bill Hudson of Globetel gave a nice speech.
-Bob Sanchez talked about drag and volume.
-Avionics package (guidance and GPS) is built by Cloudcap Technologies. Device is called the Piccolo plus(SP?)
-Simon from Kestral Aerospace was there.
-The covering or film is made by Orcon Corporation. I think it is called Oreofilm?
-EaglePicher had a booth there for their battery cells.
Also, the Air Force wants what they call a flight termination device on Sanswire1. I call it explosives. Just in case Globtel loses communication with ground base they can blow it up.
Sanswire1 will have the Air Force Logo on the back and Globetel logo towards the front. This was not yet installed and captured in any photos.
I also do agree with Huff, and i have been thinking this for awhile, that patents are really not needed for this project. All they need to do is protect their proprietary information well.
I am sure some of this stuff has been already posted. I just don't have time to sift through it all right now. Any questions, just message me.
Jonathan
Edit ADD: Also, either Bill or Leigh mentioned that it only took about a day to put all the outer skin on the fram shown in the pictures. I would imagine that covering the whole thing wouldn't take long. You wouldn't be able to actually see the frame if they had done that prior to the viewing.
