qwijibo
Active member
I'm really hoping that's the case. If so, that would be awesome!
Flitefest 2026 - Aug 6-9 - Dayton OH
- Thread starter FT Dustin
- Start date
FishbonesAir
Elite member
I think DARPA will be a sideshow for most of us. I, for one, don't have the "necessary qualifications" to "compete."
Now, that doesn't mean I might not show up with a funky bird that can carry the 2.5lb "competition" weight, and fly it around to prove what I can lift for laughs on a lite beer 🍺 budget. 😂
Capt Fishbones
Dutch Breeze
Active member
This is a great idea! Nothing screams "FAMILY!!!" more than the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency!
WAIT! WHAT?!
We all like dropping fake bombs and cool payloads from our RC planes.
JUST SO EVERYONE IS CLEAR:
DARPA develops REAL weapons to END real lives.
I really love our Military and its ability to do what it does so well. (we are really good at unalive-ing those who would do us harm)
Forgive me, but I fail to see how a family/community event with young impressionable minds running about should be tapped by the US government for a collaboration. Everyone involved in this event on the Flite Test side, ask yourselves this " do i want to knowingly involve my children with a government research department who's sole purpose for existing is to do harm to those that would do harm to us?". What if a kid does happen to come up with a novel idea at FF26 that DARPA "tactically acquires"? That technology is then used to end lives. You, as event planners, how will you carry that weight? If it WAS a child that came up with that, how would that knowledge effect them?
How did we go from "family, fun, and community" to working with the U.S. Government military industrial complex?
I cannot emphasize this enough : I love the military, I love DARPA, I love the Military's ability to disappear things in new and exciting ways.
That being said a Flite Test/DARPA collaboration feels like the antithesis to what the generally perceived and accepted goal of Flite Test is.
With all the death and destruction in the world; forcing my peaceful relaxing hobby to shake hands with the ones who would perpetuate said death and destruction, is very disheartening.
If you've ever worn a uniform, carried a weapon in service to this country, or witnessed that level of death and destruction first hand, is this really the direction you want aim to your energy in this hobby? Is this how you want your children to experience the hobby?
If this actually happens, Flite Test will have sold them selves out. Like I said, nothing screams family more than Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
WAIT! WHAT?!
We all like dropping fake bombs and cool payloads from our RC planes.
JUST SO EVERYONE IS CLEAR:
DARPA develops REAL weapons to END real lives.
I really love our Military and its ability to do what it does so well. (we are really good at unalive-ing those who would do us harm)
Forgive me, but I fail to see how a family/community event with young impressionable minds running about should be tapped by the US government for a collaboration. Everyone involved in this event on the Flite Test side, ask yourselves this " do i want to knowingly involve my children with a government research department who's sole purpose for existing is to do harm to those that would do harm to us?". What if a kid does happen to come up with a novel idea at FF26 that DARPA "tactically acquires"? That technology is then used to end lives. You, as event planners, how will you carry that weight? If it WAS a child that came up with that, how would that knowledge effect them?
How did we go from "family, fun, and community" to working with the U.S. Government military industrial complex?
I cannot emphasize this enough : I love the military, I love DARPA, I love the Military's ability to disappear things in new and exciting ways.
That being said a Flite Test/DARPA collaboration feels like the antithesis to what the generally perceived and accepted goal of Flite Test is.
With all the death and destruction in the world; forcing my peaceful relaxing hobby to shake hands with the ones who would perpetuate said death and destruction, is very disheartening.
If you've ever worn a uniform, carried a weapon in service to this country, or witnessed that level of death and destruction first hand, is this really the direction you want aim to your energy in this hobby? Is this how you want your children to experience the hobby?
If this actually happens, Flite Test will have sold them selves out. Like I said, nothing screams family more than Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Dutch Breeze
Active member
And for the record, I know exactly why the government would want to tap events like this. If you don't believe me, think back to high school. Remember the military recruiters wondering around the campus at lunch? Why do you think that ACTUALLY was? Why do you think minimum enlistment age is 17 the drinking age is 21? and now you want to knowingly and willingly bring little underdeveloped frontal cortex's around people who are trained to talk to people to get them to do what the want. Again, if you don't believe me, talk to a trained police interrogator or any one who served in Civil Affairs (its not what you think) in the Army.
Well, I guess we'll lose a handful of FT fans. Sorry to see them go. Especially since FF26 hasn't even happened yet, not even a little, and none of the deepest psychological fears have remotely begun to work their way into reality.
If any of these fears are found true, the ex-fans should toss their FT products in the burn pile and be done with 'em. Seriously.
Hopefully they actually go to FF26 or at least watch the event videos and then make a logical decision based on facts and not fearmongering.
If any of these fears are found true, the ex-fans should toss their FT products in the burn pile and be done with 'em. Seriously.
Hopefully they actually go to FF26 or at least watch the event videos and then make a logical decision based on facts and not fearmongering.
Houndpup Rc
Legendary member
IDK, when I was younger (and now😂) I would have thought it was sooo cool!
Houndpup Rc
Legendary member
I think they are trying something new and I am sure if it doesn't work out so great, then it will be back to how it was last year👍
What if the breakthrough will be used to save lives. Used to deliver supplies to someone who is stranded by a natural disaster. Used to find a lost hiker. There are literally thousands of humanitarian used for this tech.
Will you bear the burden the lives lost because the tech was never developed? Because you discouraged some kid from attending? How will you carry that weight?
Self driving cars were inspired by DARPA. They have sponsored a self driving contest for 10+ years.
The DARPA Grand Challenge: Ten Years Later
At the break of dawn on March 13, 2004, 15 vehicles left a starting gate in the desert outside of Barstow, Calif., to make history in the DARPA Grand Challenge, a first-of-its-kind race to foster the development of self-driving ground vehicles.
FishbonesAir
Elite member
They already said this is a one time thing. The logistics of getting the FT Store to Dayton is gonna be crazy 🤪. I already feel sorry for Jen & company.
On that note, if you want to buy something, I suggest you get it early! They're more likely to run out of stuff this year.
One more thing. I'm planning to watch Real Genius again. Also, to bring a large spinning mirror to Flitefest.
Capt Fishbones
dcoombe
Member
Can anyone explain to me why the Darpa lift challenge is a thing? I mean, 3D capable 700 series helicopter s have thrust to weight ratios of like 10 to 1. So... just use that? (or a slightly bigger one to carry the 200lbs.) Why have a competition when OTS hobbiest hardware can do the job? Also, why are quadcopters a thing? I get them for racing and stunts, but for long duration missions, aren't traditional helicopters better?
Foamforce
Elite member
Quads are extremely simple, mechanically speaking. Just four motors, no other moving parts. That makes them cheaper, more reliable, more durable, easier to work on, etc. You can also step up to hexcopters and have redundancy too.
I’ve messed around with tri-copters, but those are basically extinct because quads have all those advantages. I figure it’s a similar thing with helis. I think helis can have a larger payload though, because that main blade becomes more and more efficient the longer it gets.
Disclaimer: I don’t know what I’m talking about.
dcoombe
Member
All those things are true, besides maybe the cost.. Heli's are actually cheap, and drones are pricy these days, so the price difference isn't crazy. And if you REALLY want this capability, as in, you're willing to host a competition for it... then pay the extra money and buy a heli? IDK, I just don't get it.
FishbonesAir
Elite member
Get a qualified pilot. Enter challenge. Beat them with a heli!
Heck, use a skeleton Chinook to make it a really heavy lifter. 🤣
tomlogan1
Elite member
If you look at what Ukraine has done with "drones" costing a pittance compared to what the USA spends on military aircraft and munitions, we need all the help we can get.
dcoombe
Member
Would love to, but the wife won't allow it 😕
FishbonesAir
Elite member
You ever run a business before? FT isn't tiny anymore. Running a business takes a huge amount of time and energy. That's before putting out quality videos.
My aunt and uncle ran a Realtor office in a small town, and sold it to their employees when they were ready to retire. Uncle Kirk stayed on for a year to teach them how to run it, do the paperwork and such. (The former employees) were blown away with just how much they had taken on. It's very rewarding, but a ton of work.
Capt Fishbones
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Crophopper
New member
Anyone have an idea when an update will be made on the event this year?
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