I am saddened today to hear that Paul MacCready, aeronautical engineer and inspirational inventor, passed on August 28th into the great beyond. MacCready is famous for his prize-winning aircraft designs including his Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross. These revolutionary aircraft, which were invented about the time I was entering school, were certainly a contribution to my interest in flight, design, and aeronautical engineering.
I recall watching Nova and other similar programs document the success of the Albatross as it crash landed on the beach in France, having crossed the English Channel and fighting the wind to reach shore.
I remember amazement at watching a radio controlled pterodactyl flap its wings and soar with grace. Some were still debating whether the beast could even fly, let alone a mechanical model.
His contributions to low energy flight carried into solar powered vehicles, including the famous solar powered Sunraycer which won the first race of solar vehicles by a wide margin.
AeroVironment, the company he founded, produced these and many other modern wonders over the last 35 years or so.
Thank-you Mr. MacCready for showing us all that “unachievable” things are always possible with the right vision and innovation. You will be missed.
Image of the Day
2006 12 15 c
Date: 12/15/2006
