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The RC airplane challenge...

There's a small team of guys in the UK planning to undertake a major RC airplane challenge - to fly a radio control plane to an altitude of 30,000 feet (yes, that's thirty thousand feet!).

This challenge is not just for fun and to set a new record, but also as a contribution to research into solar flight as well as earning a bit of money for charity.

Can it be done?
We think so, and the project is already well into the planning and development stage.

Obviously, the more people who know about this the better and the team are actively publicizing the challenge and seeking donations towards the project.


The 30,000ft RC airplane challenge!

Visit the official RC airplane challenge web site!



Some difficulties to overcome

Any challenge like this is going to have its complications, and here are a few that the guys face:


All of these potential difficulties can be overcome, and here are some solutions:

The rc airplane will be flown using a combination of lightweight GPS unit (Global Positioning System), 'pilot-eye' video camera and powerful radio control system which can send and receive signals up to 50 miles.
The GPS unit will send location data back to a laptop computer, while the on-board video camera will give the pilot the view needed to control the plane at all times.

The fuel supply issue can be overcome by combining conventional power with solar power - an important aspect to this challenge.

Abiding by Air Traffic regulations has to be of paramount importance, since the rc airplane will be flying through altitudes associated with much larger aircraft!
Any potential air traffic restrictions of flying a model plane this high will be a determining factor in choosing a suitable location for the challenge to take place.



Strictly an RC airplane challenge!

An important factor of this challenge is that a standard rc airplane must be used.
The model must be purchased from a model shop and modified only where necessary.

So the plane isn't going to be a one-off special design, and the overall weight of the model must be kept under 7kgs and flown manually without any kind of autopilot function.
This way, the model stays an rc airplane and doesn't become an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).


How you can help

This challenge is a big project and needs publicity to succeed.

If you feel like contributing, you can do so in two ways:


Challenge progress

As the RC Airplane Challenge develops, I'll be adding more information to this page and hopefully some images also.
So keep checking back, and don't forget to keep watching the official RC Airplane Challenge website!