Tam5

On August 11, 2003, model aviation history was made by a team of volunteers led by model aviation legend Maynard Hill. "The Spirit of Butt's Farm," also known as TAM-5, became the first aeromodel to fly nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, setting two world records in the process. These were Maynard's 24th and 25th records!

[@awuma]

The model had to weigh under 5 kg at launch to qualify under FAI rules. This must be the greatest model aviation achievement ever, attaining amazing fuel efficiency, but it also illustrates the power of GPS and computers. It was a marriage of very traditional model design greatly refined, with computer programming.

[@aserta]

4.987 kg was the fueled weight. Those modified engine bits sure did their work.

[@awuma]

The control system was built and programmed from scratch, using components such as GPS receiver, satellite communications and a computer, a challenging task at that time. It's interesting that today all of that can be bought off the shelf, and massive free open source computer programs such as Ardupilot, PX4 and iNAV can handle such a flight with some simple configuration. The real genius of Maynard Hill's achievement was in the powerplant and its efficiency, together with the lightness and efficiency of the airframe, and that may be difficult to repeat. There was an earlier flight by a larger model/UAV, an Aerosonde, but its launching weight was 13 kg, well above the 5 kg limit for models set by the FAI. In 1998 it was the first UAV and smallest aircraft to cross the Atlantic, and it, too, demonstrated remarkable efficiency.

[@davidbeck3436]

I was amazed to find this video. I met Maynard and he inspired me to set 2 FAI records. He was one of a kind. Very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fascinating to talk to. This and his altitude record are amazing feats that really push the envelope today especially for their time. He has inspired a lot of people. He was legally blind while building these planes.

[@davewestner]

Very cool! Which records did you set?

[@TheBonluke]

it started from canada with one gallon of fuel and flight for 1870 miles in about 38 hours. It arrived in ireland with less than 2 ounces of fuel!! Amazing project and amazing story!

[@johnpflyrc]

Found this video after hearing the sad news of Maynard Hill's death. I remember following the progress of TAM on their website in 2002 and again in 2003. Great to see this video - I wasn't aware until now that there was any video of the arrival in Ireland. R.I.P. Maynard.

[@ianschroth6575]

I think I remember the AMA magazine had a big article about this? Talked about the engine/carb modifications they did for efficiency? That's one hell of an achievement!!

[@wordreet]

WoW! A belated congratulations from me. I've been making and flying model aircraft for about 6 years now, and I just heard about this today on the world famous XJet channel!

[@g0fvt]

An amazing achievement, I read about this years ago, never imagined it would be on KZbin.

[@aerofpv2109]

I enjoy this ... passing by through the years to watch it and stay inspired ☺

[@FrostbiteUK]

Well done to everyone involved, a fitting end and tribute to Maynard. A fantastic story that should be made into a film!

[@Macsgrafs]

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! superb, what a massive achievment, well done to all involved.

[@mrtapehead]

I agree, great job you guys, you should make a movie of this project, similar to October skies, one of my favorite movies....

[@ASch-yy1xh]

Unbelievable... Yes, it, s 20Years ago, but What a trip for this brave small Plane. Honestly, this is a Childhood Dream for Model pilot, s fly over an Ocean, you could just fly with me.. 😉... Perfect Job👌greetings from Germany.

[@nyc863]

RIP Maynard Hill an inspiring life

[@shillamus]

A great video.. Thank you for posting it! From the Hill Household Christmas 2010

[@minidora1]

Very nice achievement

[@mrschwifty5564]

That's amazing good show.

[@smoothvirus]

Maynard Hill the GOAT!

[@coronapack]

wonderful. I need plans for this bird.

[@olliea6052]

2:32 "Taxi it back!!" 😄

[@Buizie]

I would love to have this reenacted with an inav flight controller in it

[@SuperFrodo95]

I would rather they call it a model plane or a UAV drone because it was flying itself. Otherwise it's still an amazing feat for such a small model.

[@abundantharmony]

I need to know fuel efficiency and battery size.

[@botpro160]

It was 20 years ago😳

[@paul2010addison]

WOW

[@beyondwhatisknown]

Refuel it, swap the battery, and send it back to Canada = model airplane intercontinental table tennis.