“Innovation is a buzzword in aerospace today, but Perlan truly embodies the kind of bold thinking and creativity that are core Airbus values,” Tom Enders, Airbus CEO, said. “Our victory today, and whatever other milestones we achieve this year, are a testament to a pioneering spirit of exploration that runs through everyone on the project and through the organizations that support us.” “This is a tremendous moment for all the volunteers and sponsors of Airbus Perlan Mission II who have been so dedicated to making our non-profit aerospace initiative a reality,” Ed Warnock, CEO of the Perlan Project, said. The Perlan 2 being towed up in Argentina. The 2017 record broke a previous record that was set in 2006, in the unpressurized Perlan 1, by Perlan Project founder Einar Enevoldson and Steve Fossett. This marks a second glider altitude world record for Jim Payne and Morgan Sandercock, the same two Perlan Project pilots who soared the Perlan 2 to 52,221 feet GPS altitude in September last year in the same remote region of Argentine Patagonia. The pressurized Perlan 2 glider, which is designed to soar up to 90,000 feet, passed the Armstrong Line, the point in the atmosphere above which an unprotected human’s blood will boil if an aircraft loses pressurization. This sets a new gliding altitude world record, pending official validation. The previous glider altitude record of 50,722 feet was set by Perlan Project founder Einar Enevoldson and his co-pilot Steve Fossett in 2006.Airbus’ Perlan Mission II, the world’s first initiative to pilot an engineless aircraft to the edge of space, has risen in the stratosphere to a pressure altitude of over 62,000 feet (60,669 feet GPS altitude) above El Calafate, Argentina. It carries a crew of two along with sensitive scientific instruments, life support systems and two safety parachutes. Perlan 2 has an 84 foot wingspan and weighs 1,800 pounds. Airbus Group is collaborating with a community of scientists and volunteers, all keen to explore the upper atmosphere where air density is similar to that on Mars. Trig’s ‘Better by Design’ approach ensures their avionics offer pilots the best mix of features and quality whatever you fly glider, light sport or general aviation aircraft.įuture Perlan 2 flights are planned in Nevada in the U.S., building up to an attempt to break the world altitude record next year in Argentina, using stratospheric mountain waves and the polar vortex to soar to the edge of space. GA pilots can equally benefit from our VHF radio technology which is smart, affordable and future proof.” Trig’s TY91 compact 8.33/25 kHz radio is easier to use, faster to tune and comes with features such as Dual Control and a built in two place intercom. Trig CEO Andy Davis said, “It’s great to see our radio technology being used in such an important project. To exploit the best soaring conditions we will maintain constant radio contact with our operational support team.” It will be an important tool in achieving our objectives as over the next few months, we will work towards our 90,000 foot target. Our first flight was a great success, the aircraft performed well, the TY91 provided flawless intercom in the cockpit and communications with air traffic control and our ground support team. The Trig unit is lightweight, compact and energy efficient. Our minimal avionics fit includes a TY91 radio. He said, “Weight is a critical factor, we have to consider every ounce to be able to soar to extreme altitudes. the Perlan 2 team endorsed Trig’s contribution Chief Pilot Jim Payne piloted Perlan 2 on a 5,000 foot test flight that lasted 30 minutes. “The TY91 provided flawless intercom in the cockpit and communications with air traffic control”įollowing a successful maiden flight at Redmond Airport in the U.S. Trig Avionics is proud to announce that the Perlan 2 is fitted with a Trig TY91 compact radio, providing a communications lifeline for its pilots. Airbus, the primary sponsor is investing millions into this ambitious research project. Trig provides vital communications for the Perlan 2 Project.įlying to the outer limits of the earth’s atmosphere Perlan 2 is a revolutionary carbon fibre glider that will soar to 90,000 feet – higher than any other airplane has sustained flight.
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