A
group of engineers
preparing for the test
flight of the Pathfinder,
a solar-powered, remote-
piloted aircraft. The Pathfinder
was constructed of composite
materials, plastics, and foam to
create a lightweight aircraft.
The aircraft has a wingspan of
30 m and a gross mass of
221 kg. It is capable of moving
at a speed of 7 m/s and is
powered by a solar array that
runs 6 electric motors which
turn the propellers. Among
other activities, NASA is
interested in using the aircraft
to study the upper atmosphere
without disturbing it.
6
CC HH AA PP TT EE RR
FUNDAMENTAL DIMENSIONS
AND UNITS
Source:© Jim Sugar/CORBIS
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