I wrote:
> As I said, it reminds me of those gigantic multi-engined airplanes so > popular in the 1920s and 30s . . . > Here is the classic example of one that actually flew commercially, the Dornier DO X. Look at the pictures: http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/coming%20of%20age/flying%20boats/Dornier%20Do%20X.htm That was built in 1929, two years after Lindbergh flew the Atlantic. My point is, it had 12 motors. 6 tractors (facing front) and 6 pushers. That's way too complicated. Too many things to go wrong. 4 engines on one airplane was the practical limit for piston propellers. 350 Rossi gadgets can work together, but they have to be integrated in construction, not discrete. That is to say, fabricated together in one unit all at one time, like an IC. Modern technology allows for an astounding numbers of components in one product -- billions, in case of desktop computers -- but it only works with integrated manufacturing techniques. - Jed
