Some Really Small Ideas From The People At Scaled Composites
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 03:39PM 
Awesome electric RC Galloping Ghost by Justin Stinemetze at Scaled Composites
(4 pix)
The younger generation of avgeeks may not realize that Scaled Composites has that name because their primary mission back in the day was to build reduced sized (scaled down) prototype aircraft using simple and fast composite construction techniques. I'm guessing the aerodynamic data from an 85% scale prototype is probably 98%+ accurate in verifying the viability and performance of a design. Best of all, the reduced size and fast build composite construction get that data in your hands at a vastly reduced price. It's a fantastic concept - and another of the many game-changing ideas brought to the world of aviation by Scaled founder Burt Rutan.
The work at Scaled has expanded over the years to include a wide variety of aerospace research and contract work, but sometimes the people working at this cool aviation oasis in the desert have some really small ideas. You know, like fun little RC aircraft ideas! In fact, many of the Scaled employees participate in an RC competition every Friday during morning break. How cool is that?!
Hardcore avgeeks! Scaled Composites employees playing with RC model aircraft
I find it both refreshing and encouraging to know that there's a bunch of guys at Scaled who have so much passion for flight that they get together like this and have fun with RC models each week. I think this is exactly the kind of thing that keeps the fires of desire for innovation and excellence burning. And you can tell by the look on their faces that they really enjoy this!
As you might expect tho, it's not all fun and games... it's a competition too. They have races and combat sessions, and they have a point system that determines the winners for two championships a year.
WK2 crew chief Justin Stinemetze and his Galloping Ghost
Above is Justin Stinemetze, the crew chief on WhiteKnightTwo, and his really hot-looking little Galloping Ghost. I admit I have a pretty big obsession going on with the real Galloping Ghost, so seeing this excellent looking micro version is a real treat. I don't know what the power is, but I'm guessing it's got a little scream to it! I hear this little gem has been pretty popular lately on Friday mornings.
Justin is originally from Kansas and has been with Scaled for about 10 years. He's an active homebuilder and has a Long-EZ he's currently flying. He also sometimes gets his Scaled hoodie dirty working on airplanes : )
I'll try to get more info on the newest small ideas coming out of the minds of people at Scaled Composites... cuz sometimes it's the small ideas that put the biggest smile on your face!
Check out the AirPigz cetegory for Scaled Composites
Reader Comments (2)
They call that a job ? I call it a bloody dream job !!!
The ability to release that kid-inside must also spur that base creativity.... neat photos!