Lawrence Hargrave: Australian Aviation Pioneer

Monash Open Day 2001

Aerosonde Television Transmission

August 5, 2001

For those new to this programme, it is important to note that the 'Monash' Aerosonde (a Mk1), unlike the current (Mk.3) autonomous production model flies under model aircraft regulations rather than those imposed by CASA, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia

Although limiting the craft to a ceiling of 300 feet, flying under 'manually directed' model aircraft regulations, allows the Monash team to conduct trials at times to suit the sometimes irregular 'academic' schedule.

This less formalised trials activity is also made possible via a relationship established with VARMS who allow the Monash team the use of their nearby flying field

It is worth noting that in 1998, 'Laima', a sister craft to Monash's Aerosonde 'Lawrence Hargrave', was the first robotic aircraft to fly the Atlantic Ocean.

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A Gallery of the Open Day's Events

'It was going to be one of those days'

says Peter Cossins (in foreground) as others crowd inside the control 'room' to shelter from the weather. Peter Cossins is the person resonsible for the Briggs Field/Mt Dandenong/Monash Uni. television transmission links

Prof. Greg 'Biggles' Egan 'helps' assemble the 'Briggs Field to Mt Dandenong Transmitter Aerial'

Now, the ad said 'requires some assembly' - lets see, the whachame-callit is connected to the thingame-whatsit...

Aerosonde pilot, Ray Cooper, Dick Hargrave, great great nephew of aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave and Prof. Greg 'Biggles' Egan

Dick Hargrave, great great nephew of aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave and Greg 'Biggles' Egan

Roger McDonald of Port Welshpool watching Aerosonde pilot Ray Cooper ply his trade

Roger runs Hover-Craft South Gippsland and is a firm supporter of Monash University's plans to establish a robotic centre at Port Welshpool which will develop alongside the Aerosonde, aquatic robots and other amphibious machines.

Will it never stop says Peter Cossins - why wasn't it a sunny day like yesterday?

and no, this time 'Lawrence Hargrave' didn't land safely as it had in the dress rehearsal - The wind and rain caught up with 'Lawrence' on his final approach resulting in a slightly embarrassing one point landing!

With only minor damage however, Lawrence will soon be flying again as Monash continue their experiments in this facinating aspect of unmanned micro aviation.

Read more about Aerobotics at Monash University and The Monash Aerosonde

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