Launch HN: Radical (YC W23) – Autonomous high-altitude solar aircraft

Re:Launch HN: Radical (YC W23) – Autonomous high-altitude so... by extraduder_ire on Monday October 16, 2023 @01:05PM (#37902879)

I'd guess because it's less prone to get interfered with by wind, more easily controllable, and can stay up longer if battery power lasts overnight.

I too would like to see more autonomous hydrogen balloons flying. Even on tethers to get height cheaper than a tower.

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Re:Launch HN: Radical (YC W23) – Autonomous high-altitude so... by bloopernova on Monday October 16, 2023 @01:14PM (#37903006)

I'm not well-read on the technology involved. Is it possible (feasible?) to use a high altitude balloon to get a plane to altitude?

You could either detach from the balloon, or use spare solar power to deflate the balloon in case you need it again. Maybe the balloon could help maintain altitude at night.

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Re:Launch HN: Radical (YC W23) – Autonomous high-altitude so... by woodlander87 on Monday October 16, 2023 @01:58PM (#37903633)

Perhaps not as high altitude as the stratosphere, but the US was experimenting with deployment and 'landing' of fixed wing aircraft from airships in the 1930s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Akron

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Re:Launch HN: Radical (YC W23) – Autonomous high-altitude so... by hef19898 on Monday October 16, 2023 @03:28PM (#37905012)

They also tried building aircraft carriers out of ice in the 40s. Doesn't mean it was a good idea.

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