SUITCASE SIZED PLANE PREPARED FOR TRANS ATLANTIC FLIGHT, 1998-08-17 (photo)

Ross Hoag (L) and Kip Jackson of The Insitu Group (University of Washington) prepare their Aerosonde aircraft for an attempt at the first trans-atlantic flight of an unmanned aircraft August 17. This suitcased-sized aircraft was successfully launched at dawn from an airstip on Bell Island near St. John's, Newfoundland. A second aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff later in the day. The 28 pound, 10 foot wing span aircraft is expected to land 24 hours after takeoff on the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The aircraft is uncontrolled after takeoff and uses an auto pilot hooked to a Global Positioning System to maintain course. GSL/SV/AA