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Kor37

Real-Life 'Star Wars' X-Wing To Launch Next Week

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Real-Life 'Star Wars' X-Wing To Launch Next Week

Posted Oct 3rd 2007 4:26PM by Tim Stevens

Filed under: Computers

 

 

 

 

In the world of sci-fi geekery, there are few things more recognizable than the skin-tight suits Jeri Ryan wore as Seven of Nine in the series 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'. One of those other icons is the X-Wing fighter from 'Star Wars', with its distinctive crossed S-Foils. Many fans have wanted one of their own, coming no closer than some toy or model, but Andy Worner and a team of friends from Polecat Aerospace have come about as close to real-life as you can expect: They built a 21-foot rocket-powered model of the ship.

 

And it really flies.

 

Well, they think it'll really fly, at least. Its maiden voyage is set for next week, October 10.

 

The craft is powered by four solid-fuel rocket engines that, the team hopes, will propel the ship high enough to enable it to switch those fabled S-Foils into attack "X" position mid-flight. Given that the process takes 35 seconds to complete, that may be asking a bit much for the first flight. And, since this X-Wing model is made out of lightweight wood, there may only be a first flight. They plan (hope?) to use three parachutes to bring the thing back to earth safely.

 

We can't wait to see this thing take to the sky, and we hope that the entire team from Polecat use the force, stay on target, and rely on any other applicable 'Star Wars' cliches.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.../x-wing-425.jpg

 

WOW!!!........I want one!.... :)

Edited by Kor37

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This is pretty cool, but...

 

Jeri Ryan wore as Seven of Nine in the series 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'.

 

...how could I have missed Seven on DS9? :)

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This is pretty cool, but...

 

Jeri Ryan wore as Seven of Nine in the series 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'.

 

...how could I have missed Seven on DS9? :)

 

yeah, I wonder how many emails that writer is getting -

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Just a few questions...

 

Is this bird manned? And when does the full-scale model come out? A "Real" X-wing is 12.5 meters (41 feet) long. This thing is around 1/2 scale...Oh, and do the Laser Cannons work?

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Just a few questions...

 

Is this bird manned? And when does the full-scale model come out? A "Real" X-wing is 12.5 meters (41 feet) long. This thing is around 1/2 scale...Oh, and do the Laser Cannons work?

It won't be manned. They are hoping the parachutes will deploy to get it back down safely but most are expecting this to a one-way trip. The Laser Cannons?.....Suuuuuree they work........ :)

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UPDATE:

X-Wing Rocket Succumbs to The Force (Of Gravity)

Posted Oct 8th 2007 11:26AM by Tim Stevens

Filed under: Computers

 

Remember that real-life X-Wing rocket we reported about last week? They launched over the weekend and, unfortunately, things didn't quite go as expected. A few seconds after liftoff, the rocket nosed down and, unable to handle the stress, the wings ripped right off. After that the X-Wing flew apart and came tumbling to the ground in a variety of pieces that are probably scattered from here to Tatooine by now.

 

Hit the link above for a video of the carnage.

 

We're sure the results were a bit disappointing for the creators at Polecat Aerospace, but we hope they rebuild and try again.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.../x-wing-425.jpg

Thats too bad. I was all set to order one...........

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