New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins

Re:New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins by BrandonMarc on Tuesday April 10, 2018 @11:42AM (#16802180)

> For the first time in decades, NASA aeronautics is moving forward with the construction of a piloted X-plane

That plane doesn't look very pilot-able. How can the pilot see forward? I know it's an early render, but still ...

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Re:New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins by THE_PUN_STOPS on Tuesday April 10, 2018 @11:59AM (#16802339)

Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic in 1927 in this cockpit:

https://airandspace.si.edu/sites/default/files/styles/slides...

Note the lack of front window. A periscope was installed at the last minute at the behest of a sponsor, (much to the chagrin of Lindbergh) but there's no evidence that it was ever used.

And that was before cameras and in-cockpit AR!

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Re:New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins by digi_owl on Tuesday April 10, 2018 @12:14PM (#16802454)

Interesting. I can't find any sort of artificial horizon, but i suspect the two "spirit levels" at the bottom (T shape) serve much the same purpose.

Given that it was an ocean crossing he would probably be watching the airspeed, altimeter and compass for most of the journey anyways (instrument flight rules?).

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Re:New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins by cheeko1234 on Tuesday April 10, 2018 @11:54AM (#16802293)

In the past the solution was a drooped nose[1]. For this, it'll be augmented reality.

[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droop-nose

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Re:New NASA X-Plane Construction Begins by BrandonMarc on Tuesday April 10, 2018 @12:02PM (#16802369)

I have to wonder if a pilot is even necessary for this x-plane.

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