As I contemplate the whichness of what -- I wonder how long it'll be
until we see a land speed vehicle that substitutes a camera/monitor
system for a windshield.
120 degrees of view -- not a problem with one wide-angle lens, not a
problem with multiple cameras and a wide monitor (to reduce
aberrations due to the wide lens in a one-lens system).
Think of how much aero improvement there could be -- no bubble for
the rider's/driver's head -- just a lens at the front (or wherever)
of the vehicle. High-clarity transparent material for the lens to
look through is available.
Think how the rider/driver compartment could be designed with safety
in mind. If the cars/bikes that use periscopes can do it -- I betcha
a tv camera system could provide similar solutions.
Let's hope the vehicle doesn't include a satellite link, though --
just think about it: Racing down the Salt at 3 bills, passing the
four mile, and ZZZAAAPPP! No more forward visibility, and instead
here's a re-run of Gilligan's Island. Gotta be careful so that
doesn't happen. . .
So - will we see electronic windshields soon? Will we ever see 'em?
Jon Wennerberg
Seldom Seen Slim Land Speed Racing
Marquette, Michigan
(that's 'way up north)
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