The Pathfinder-Plus solar-electric flying wing lifted off Rogers Dry Lake adjoining NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on a turbulence-measurement flight.
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The Pathfinder-Plus solar-electric flying wing lifted off Rogers Dry Lake adjoining NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on a turbulence-measurement flight. The Pathfinder-Plus was powered by eight electric motors, two more than powered the previous version of Pathfinder. Designed for the Centurion/Helios Prototype follow-on solar wings, the motors were slightly more efficient than the original Pathfinder motors. The Pathfinder-Plus also validated a new flight control system for the Centurion/Helios Prototype, although only the Pathfinder’s own system actually controlled the motors and control surfaces.August 31, 2005NASA Photo / Tom Tschida› Pathfinder-Plus Project Description