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Long-lining by fixed-wing!
Precision long-line load delivery and recovery. No problem? Try it with a fixed wing! Check this: http://www.newscientist.com/channel/...mg18624971.600
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Years ago, I watched a TV show where they picked up an individual from the ground using this exact method. If I recall correctly, it was Craig Hosking who was flying the aircraft.
It certainly can be done. |
Marvin Michael, an ex Boeing TP who worked with Nate Saint at MAF talks quite a lot about the development of that long line technique in his autobiography "A passion for flying".
A bit nauseatingly evangelist in places (if, like me, you aren't a devout Christian anyhow), but otherwise a good read. G |
Bucket Drop
The bucket drop used about 1/4 mile of nylon cord, with a bag tied to the end. By circling at low altitude, wind resistance caused the cord to spiral around in the shape of an inverted cone. The bag could be stabilized over one spot on the ground, low enough for a person to reach up and grasp it, to exchange mail, medicines, or in this case gifts. It took a great amount of skill and practice. Wind was the main problem. The pilot cannot vary the angle of bank to correct for wind drift...the bucket would be all over the sky! He has to establish a proper and constant bank at exactly the right altitude, then let the wind drift him over the spot. Once a person gets hold of the bucket, it becomes easy to maintain position." http://www.dtlinn.com/bucketdrop.html |
Very interesting, but none of the narratives describe the effect on the load when it is reeled back in to the orbiting fixed wing. Even at a leasurely 80kts, once the load comes out of the stabilised "hover", it must whip around something horrid. Not at all sure whether that will be a Nice Thing for a stretcher patient, or any large object. What about stability of the load, etc?
Fascinating stuff, nonetheless :ok: |
How about two opposed planes circling together with a line suspended at the center. It would be a huge rotorcraft!
Actually, I have given the idea quite a bit of thought, wonder if it has been done? |
Never mind all that, who gave chiplight's ginger bloke fashion advice?
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Fixed-wing long-lining??
Always something new to learn on this forum. :ok: MAF pilots do very valuable work helping people in some of the most isolated areas of the world. http://www.maf.org/images/av_cessna185-big.jpghttp://www.maf.org/images/services_1.jpg |
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