At 05:36 PM 7/21/99 -0400, Andy Kunz wrote:
>>might be a bit tougher.  But we certainly can loft a body to space with a
>>PIC.  I bet that would be great PR.
>
>Yup.  Use one of those micromachine turbines for low altitude followed by a
>micromachined rocket for final boost.
>
>We can probably do it in a matchbox.

   Andy, did you take a look at that article in AW&ST that Myke mentioned?
It really is incredible where the technology has gone. This is right down
your alley even though it's not a boat ;-)

   In addition to the more conventional micro UAVs, the insect-like Microbat
"ornithopter" was really interesting. The 6-inch span, flapping craft, flew
18 seconds and around 50 yards before the NiCads were exhausted. The flap
rate is 20Hz. According to Matthew Keennon, from AeroVironment, "as the
weakened craft lies flopping in the grass, sparrows land next to it. They
seem to be looking after their fallen comrade". I can imagine this
technology being reduced to the insect level which reminds me, I had around
50 confirmed mosquito kills last night ;-)

>Andy
>
>==================================================================
>Andy Kunz               Life is what we do to prepare for Eternity
>------------------------------------------------------------------
>andy@rc-hydros.com      http://www.rc-hydros.com     - Race Boats
>andy@montanadesign.com  http://www.montanadesign.com - Electronics
>==================================================================

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Handley
New Age Communications
Since '75 before "New Age" and no one around here is waiting for UFOs ;-)