-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Page <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 1999 3:23 PM
Subject: DBF Q&A #1


>Here is the list of questions I've received over the summer months.
>
>Q: How will you account for fractions in the Rated Aircraft Cost? For
>example, if our wing area is 6.5625 feet, is that a) 5 + 6.56 hours, or b)
>5+ 7 hours? If fractional, how many significant figures do you want us to
>list?
>A: Two (2) digits after the decimal is more than adequate.
>
>Q: If we were to have pneumatic systems, would we be allowed to recharge
>our air tanks in the 10 minute time limit?
>A: Yes, air tanks can be recharged during the payload installation/removal.
>
>Q:Are NiCds the only battery that can be used or can the newer NiMH (Nickel
>- Metal - Hydride) batteries be used?
>A: Only NiCad batteries are allowed in the contest.
>
>Q: Aircraft must complete 2 full laps of the course with no payload. This
>non-scoring return task must be completed before attempting another scoring
>sortie of task #1.
>Does this mean 2 laps in the air or does this include touch-n-go phase.
>A: Take-off, upwind turn, downwind leg, downwind turn, upwind leg, upwind
>turn, downwind leg, downwind turn, approach & landing: That makes the
>required 2 laps.
>
>Q: Does the aircraft have to stop between two different sorties? In other
>words, while changing the flight from a payload sortie to a return/ferry
>sortie, does the pilot have to
>stop the aircraft in order to unload it, or may we design a system which
>can unload the payload without stopping.
>A: The aircraft must come to a complete stop, the engine be "safed", and
>then the crew may change the payload.  This is described in quite a bit
>more detail in the rules.
>
>Q: Is the use of two batteries allowed if both batteries are carried
>during the flights?
>A: You may use multiple packs, each feeding a separate motor, or you may
>use a single pack feeding multiple motors.  All packs must be connected
>during all flights, but you may elect to not run some engines all of the
>time.  Cost functions for multiple motors/packs is described in detail in
>the FAQ.
>
>Q: Is variable geometry allowed?
>A: Yes, as long as no parts are added/deleted from the aircraft.  Variable
>geometry may be either manual (on ground) or servo activated.
>
>-Greg
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>Gregory S. Page
>Formula 402
>
>email: [log in to unmask]
>Contest email: Include DBF in the subject line
>Contest web page: http://amber.aae.uiuc.edu/~aiaadbf
>