On 5/5/2021 12:20 AM, Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Tue, 04 May 2021 19:29:42 -0700, Guy Acheson wrote:

Same with cars. Solar panels covering the surface will recharge the
batteries continuously for free.

Sure have - but lightweight, single seat vehicled with large, flat top
surfaces covered with solar cells. Specially designed to race across
Australia.

Airplanes have already demonstrated powered flight with all power coming
from solar panels.

Yep, and one even flew round the world on solar power. But lets not
forget that it was huge, a single seater, flew at 35-40 kts and took
weeks to finish the journey.

Just like unlimited power from fission...it is only 10 years away.

Thats the problem with the kids who should know better - they're unable
to distinguish between a hobby/proof of concept vehicle and something you
can buy right now and drive to Vegas for a weekend.

Isn't it wonderful to read about all those VTOL electric cars that will
be available for anybody to buy and fly in four years time, but right now
only exist as shiny graphics plus a price on some website? Not!

Sometimes, I wonder what was said when automobiles were one-offs and horses
provided the local transportation for people and goods and trains for long
distances. Imagine how impractical they were in the beginning: poor roads, no
fueling or repair stations, very expensive. And not safe to use while drunk
because you'd crash, while a horse would keep you safe, maybe even get you home.

--
Eric Greenwell - USA
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1