Technology continues to evolve
Jay Smith, Editor-in-Chief
jays@modelaircraft.org
I admit to being a fan of science fiction and one aspect often found in sci-fi is advanced technology. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I am intrigued with new technology. I remember when the first “flip phones” hit the market and I was reminded of the communicators on Star Trek.
I recently started on the path to a “smart home” with an Amazon Echo as the centerpiece. I can tell it to play music or ask for updates to news, weather, traffic, etc. I can turn lights on or off throughout my house with just my voice. So far it has been enjoyable.
The technology we use in our hobby also continues to evolve. Our radio systems are one of the first things that come to mind, with an amazing amount of functionality and programming available, not to mention some can even talk to you.
The first time I saw a multirotor “return to home,” I had a sense of amazement in how GPS technology had been integrated into aircraft to provide a useful tool in recovering a model.
Ben Lanterman wrote an article in the December 2010 issue of Model Aviation entitled “Improve Your Approach.” It described using a gyro to help with takeoffs and landings. At the time, we received plenty of feedback from readers on both sides of the fence about using this technology in an RC aircraft. Some saw it as a useful tool to tame aircraft with less-than-stellar ground handling, while others felt the technology removed some of the skill involved with flying.
Only a few short years later, an advanced form of this technology with gyro and stabilization units has found its way into many aircraft from a host of manufacturers.
In this issue we bring you an exclusive review of the HobbyZone Sportsman S+, which brings GPS functionality to an electric-powered trainer. This technology provides the ability to keep the aircraft within 650 feet of the runway, fly a holding pattern, and auto land. It’s easy to see the potential this can bring and I’m curious to see how it will continue to evolve.
All I ask is that it doesn’t get to the point where it takes the “I” out of flying.
