I thought it'd
be worthwhile to feature one of my role models, Ph.D. Eng. Paul MacCready, and pay homage to his life in simply gathering together a few links that may prove inspirational. I suspect he may be familiar to many on this messageboard already, so do contribute to this thread if you find I've omitted something of importance - or any other association you may make.
I do not intend this to be an exhaustive overview of all his achievements or life, you'll find these by following the links I've provided and further following the links therein. A man whose career, hobbies and interests ranged from a screaming wiener to quetzalcoatlus northropi and robotic cockroaches can teach anyone a thing or two about broadmindedness and imagination, so surf on. For me, Paul MacCready's inventions and insights were and are proof that even the frailest and slowest of wings can carry the most immense of dreams and ideas. Indeed, sometimes they're the best suited to do so.
Video:
TED Talks: Paul MacCready: Flying on Solar Wings (2003)
General:
Paul MacCready featured in the Academy of Achievement
Paul MacCready featured in the US National Aviation Hall of Fame
TED feature on Paul MacCready
Paul McCready's business, AeroVironment, Inc. (a memorial page within):
AeroVironment
Human and solar powered flight, including Helios - to me it's the most amazing UAV built to date (along with Pathfinder and the Global Observer):
Don Monroes's Site, featuring information, pictures and links about Gossamer Condor, Gossamer Albatross, Gossamer Penguin, Solar Challenger and Bionic Bat.
An interactive diagram of the Gossamer Albatross
NASA Dryden Fact Sheet: Helios Prototype
International Human Powered Vehicle Association
The story of the GM EV1 car (a subject of some controversy):
EVWorld feature: Mister Impossible
SONY Pictures: Who killed the electric car?
Further Googling:
Charles Lindbergh
Rachel Carson
Hermann Scheer
all of whom had an impact on MacCready's thinking.