Topic: =/\= lifesize robotic dragonfly developed by the CIA... in 1970's!!! (Read 2448 times)

stoneyface · « **on:** February 09, 2011, 09:46:55 pm »

wow. pretty amazing feat of technology considering the times and the very immature development of computer parts. it used an ultra micro gas engine! amazing! makes you think what they have now

http://www.botjunkie.com/2011/02/09/this-robotic-dragonfly-flew-40-years-ago/

Kreeargh · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2011, 11:03:58 pm »

I hate to say it but I would not be suprised if they are buging "no pun" the food by now.

LordSaxon · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2011, 06:48:40 pm »

Kinda neat but totally useless as they had no way to direct/steer it once it was airborne. The article says it was " laser beam steered " which is obviously not true.

stoneyface · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2011, 10:17:31 am »

Quote from: LordSaxon on February 10, 2011, 06:48:40 pm

Kinda neat but totally useless as they had no way to direct/steer it once it was airborne. The article says it was " laser beam steered " which is obviously not true.

well not really steered so much as guided. by laser beam steered they mean a laser designator that lights up a target and it flies towards that. i can imagine they eventually got it to do that but i don't think that lasers were that deployable in the 70's

Brush Wolf · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2011, 03:43:53 pm »

It is scary how close to reality movies and television shows were back then. On the other hand the SR71 would be considered pretty wild if made today even though it was made with 1950's technology.

LordSaxon · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2011, 06:58:44 pm »

Yeah, maybe if they designed it today it wouldnt leak fuel while sitting on the tarmac

Brush Wolf · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2011, 10:38:01 pm »

Maybe.

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