The cyclocrane was a shit design from the thought go. Was too mechanical, waayyy too overly engineered. I'm an factory trained and licensed helium balloon pilot. I think I am more than allowed to say... The cyclocrane and the helostat were BAD ideas and I never would have flown either.
I worked on the software for a DARPA funded project to use this ship. The 1984 ship was all analog control. Worked OK but it was inflexible. We were specifying a digital control system. This ship could have replaced the lifting helicopter, but the "boss" lacked the vision. With todays computer power this thing would be an outstanding lifting device.
I'm the guy who posted the video. I recorded it about ten, maybe fifteen years ago and just recently found it on an old VHS tape. If you know anything about either of these airships, please add your comments.
@halmc I think he was referring to me owning a VHS of the entire program, which I mentioned in my comment: "Clip from 'The Blimp is Back' produced by Nova. I still have this on VHS."
The cyclocrane was a shit design from the thought go. Was too mechanical, waayyy too overly engineered. I'm an factory trained and licensed helium balloon pilot. I think I am more than allowed to say... The cyclocrane and the helostat were BAD ideas and I never would have flown either.
Reay171 8 months ago
I worked on the software for a DARPA funded project to use this ship. The 1984 ship was all analog control. Worked OK but it was inflexible. We were specifying a digital control system. This ship could have replaced the lifting helicopter, but the "boss" lacked the vision. With todays computer power this thing would be an outstanding lifting device.
bingo5fetherstone 9 months ago
My grandfather started AeroLift, and invented the CycloCrane. This reminds me of old home movies.
decrim 1 year ago
Jusr reading about this in a book.
Bastige56 1 year ago
Clip from "The Blimp is Back" produced by Nova. I still have this on VHS.
BammerD 2 years ago
@BammerD This episode is so cool. If you have a chance, can you please put the full episode of "The blimp is back" on youtube if you have a chance
SmithAndrew1985 9 months ago
I'm the guy who posted the video. I recorded it about ten, maybe fifteen years ago and just recently found it on an old VHS tape. If you know anything about either of these airships, please add your comments.
halmc 3 years ago
@halmc My grandfather invented this thing. He never got over its failure.
decrim 1 year ago
@halmc My grandfather invented this thing. He never got over it's failure.
decrim 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@halmc I think he was referring to me owning a VHS of the entire program, which I mentioned in my comment: "Clip from 'The Blimp is Back' produced by Nova. I still have this on VHS."
BammerD 9 months ago