| Perlan Project |
Website Links For Project |
Information AboutPerlan Project |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PERLAN PROJECT | |
| gliding | |
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SOARING OBJECTIVES Weaker standing waves exist beyond the tropopause in the stratosphere. The Perlan Project was conceived by former NASA test pilot Einar Enevoldson to demonstrate the feasibility of riding these stratospheric standing waves to even greater altitudes and thereby break the record. However the weather necessary to climb into the stratospheric waves are quite exceptional:
Phase one of the project, a proof of concept flight, has a goal of 62,000 feet (18,900 meters). Phase two, which will probably be attempted with a custom-built glider, has a goal of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters). PROGRESS The project was based for a few years in Omarama , New Zealand , but it is currently based in Patagonia , at El Calafate , Argentina . The glider is currently a modified DG Flugzeugbau 505M two-seater sailplane from which the motor has been removed to make room for batteries and liquid oxygen. The pilots are Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson and are equipped with full pressure suits. PRESS RELEASE FOR AUGUST 29, 2006 "Into the Stratosphere – Without an Engine New world glider altitude record set by Fossett and Enevoldson in Argentina 50,671 feet (15,447 m) achieved by 'Perlan' - the first ever glider flight into the earth's stratosphere. Previous record shattered by 1,662 ft (507 m)". Perlan Project's Website (This claim subsequently ratified by Federation Aeronautique Internationale as 15,460 meters (50,727 feet). EXTERNAL LINKS REFERENCES |
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