OpenSky 2.0 anime-inspired flying machine

While the pic above may slightly exaggerate the OpenSky 2.0 project's currently flying capabilities, the craft itself appears to be quite legit, with a complete but earthbound model of the contraption now on display at an NTT ICC exhibition in Japan. Those able to check out the exhibit will apparently still be able to get a taste of the craft's potential flying abilities, however, with a full-fledged flight simulator set up to let you take it for a spin (check it out after the break) -- which, given the seeming likelihood of a catastrophic crash, is probably the only way we'd fly it. Hayao Miyazaki fans will no doubt be quick to spot the inspiration for the craft's design, although we don't remember the ones in Nausicaa being pulled by ropes.

[Via Akihabara News]

[arcsine @ Dec 15th 2006 2:29PM]

Now we need giant forest-protecting pillbugs.

[Jim @ Dec 15th 2006 3:05PM]

Teto!

[kaztm @ Dec 15th 2006 3:06PM]

"the pic above may slightly exaggerate the OpenSky 2.0 project's currently flying capabilities"
What do you mean by that? That's an actual picture from the test flights of M-01 prototype.

M-02J prototype has a jet engine in its fuselage, and its first test flight will be in early summer, 2007.

The flight simulator is an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The add-on will be a free download, they say.

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20061215/opensky.htm

[wawul @ Dec 15th 2006 4:38PM]

This looks awfully dangerous!

[genexk @ Dec 15th 2006 4:43PM]

Nausicaa ftw!!!

[clem13 @ Dec 15th 2006 5:43PM]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the winds...exactly as genexk said...FTW!

that does look a mighty lot bigger than the one in the actual film though...

[cloud811 @ Dec 15th 2006 5:45PM]

OMG YESS!! W00T!!!!! i thought i'd point this out...the real working ver of it. prototype ne ways. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-19/nausicaa's-mehve-comes-to-life
or
http://www.petworks.co.jp/~hachiya/works/OpenSky_movie.html

[clem13 @ Dec 15th 2006 6:08PM]

considering that nausicaa can't be very big herself. it is quite a bit bigger than her one

http://www.dot-totally.co.uk/steve/mehve.jpg

[scaryface @ Dec 15th 2006 6:31PM]

The one in Nausicaa was pulled by ropes by more powerful aircraft for like half the movie, as I remember. It was more of a glider that relied on wind than on the weak engine.

Anyway, how is this thing controlled?

[clem13 @ Dec 15th 2006 7:02PM]

well yes it was powered by the wind. she lived in the valley of the winds. it was protected from the poisons of the jungle partially by that wind

[cc @ Dec 15th 2006 8:50PM]

Anyone who's in/will be in Tokyo during the exhibition, I highly recommend going to see it. I haven't been to this one but the last thing I went to at the NTT ICC was totally cool... most of their displays are really high tech, and very interactive.

You can get off at Hatsudai station but if you don't know the area just go out the main entrance at Shinjuku Station South Exit (minamiguchi)and turn right... keep going until you pass by a crescent shaped building with an NTT sign, and it's right across the street in the Tokyo Opera City building.

[Division @ Dec 15th 2006 11:23PM]

I went to see the Meebe = OpenSky 2.0 yesterday. I can't believe that thing can fly but the exhibition was the most uncomfortable experience where if a pin dropped you could hear it loud and clear. Anyways the pic with the 3 monitor is using the TrackIR 4 from Naturalpoint as a head tracking system while playing FSX. It gives you real time 3D view control in video games and simulations just by moving your head. AWESOME GADGET