bill@utastro.UUCP (William H. Jefferys) (09/08/85)
I noticed with some interest in this morning's paper that Paul MacCready (who built the Gossamer Condor and the Gossamer Albatross - the first successful human-powered flying machines) is now building a full-scale, flying replica of *Quetzalcoatlus northropi*, the largest of the pterosaurs. The replica is intended to be accurate as to size and weight and power, and will operate in a fashion similar to the original creature. They are being assisted in this by a team of paleontologists headed by Professor Wann Langston, Jr., of the University of Texas. According to the article [1], "Flight was possible for the giant pterosaur because it was very light. The lightness resulted from thin-walled, hollow bones, which Langston compared to a mailing tube with Styrofoam plugs on each end." The fact that Paul MacCready, probably the world's foremost expert in the field of lightweight muscle-powered aircraft, thinks that it possible to build a full-scale flying replica of this creature, is strong evidence to me that Ted Holden has been talking through his hat. [1] Austin American-Statesman, September 8, 1985. B-1. -- Glend. I can call spirits from the vasty deep. Hot. Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you do call them? -- Henry IV Pt. I, III, i, 53 Bill Jefferys 8-% Astronomy Dept, University of Texas, Austin TX 78712 (USnail) {allegra,ihnp4}!{ut-sally,noao}!utastro!bill (UUCP) bill@astro.UTEXAS.EDU. (Internet)