Perlan Project: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:12, 15 September 2022

Revision as of 01:57, 24 September 2022

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In June 2010, [[Dennis Tito]] joined the mission as a pilot and major funder, which enabled significant progress towards the completion of the [[aircraft]]. That same year [[Jim Payne (glider pilot)|Jim Payne]], holder of numerous world soaring records, joined the project as chief pilot.

A great deal of design work has been done by Greg Cole of [[Windward Performance]] to show that a sailplane for 90,000 feet is relatively straightforward, while 100,000 feet is possible, although more difficult and expensive. Windward Performance willwould build the sailplane of high performance pre-preg in production-quality tooling. The sailplane requiresrequired relatively high-end design, analysis, and construction, to be flutter-safe at very high true air speeds, and strong enough for the potentially heavy turbulence that could be encountered at 90,000 feet. It must also have well-proven, fail-safe pressurization and cabin air re-cycling systems.

In 2014, [[Airbus]] agreed to become the title sponsor, and provide sufficient funding for completion of the aircraft, flight testing and the altitude flights. The mission as renamed the [[Airbus Perlan Mission II]].