Skunk Works
Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works, which created such aircraft as the U-2, the SR-71, and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, has created yet another masterpiece.
According to this article in New Scientist Tech, Lockheed-Martin's new unmanned stealth vehicle Polecat was created largely with a CAD hooked up to a 3D printer--- aka "3D rapid prototyping."
Nice hack! And I especially like how "polecat" is just another word for "skunk."
Another thing I especially like is that this is exactly how the planes and missiles were made in Hardwired.
I have to wonder how much of this technology is replicable. Will your average tinpot Third World dictator be able to create and assemble state-of-the-art stealth aircraft in his garage? Will you? Will Osama?
Backyard aerospace! Only the latest example of why we are living in a science fiction world.
According to this article in New Scientist Tech, Lockheed-Martin's new unmanned stealth vehicle Polecat was created largely with a CAD hooked up to a 3D printer--- aka "3D rapid prototyping."
Nice hack! And I especially like how "polecat" is just another word for "skunk."
Another thing I especially like is that this is exactly how the planes and missiles were made in Hardwired.
I have to wonder how much of this technology is replicable. Will your average tinpot Third World dictator be able to create and assemble state-of-the-art stealth aircraft in his garage? Will you? Will Osama?
Backyard aerospace! Only the latest example of why we are living in a science fiction world.
posted by dubjay at 2:41 PM
2 Comments:
Computer aided construction will filter down, and soon. It's like precision machining itself. In the 1960's and 1970's, high-priced professional tools only. In the 1990's and 2000's, kid's toys. Right now this kind of automated machining is being used for one-off special items from skunk works, but in 10-20 years it will be in your basement. It just takes a while for roboticisation and industrial automation to saturate the economy.
I have to say that I adore the idea of backyard aerospace.
Though I'm not too wild about the notion that Osama will probably get this tech before I do.
Jose, I'm happy to do an interview. Any old time, pretty much.
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