Boeing Using Potatoes to Test In-Plane Wi-Fi 20,000 Pounds to Be Precise Thursday Dec 20 2012 12:27 EDT Boeing this week proudly proclaimed via press release that the company has developed "an advanced method" to test wireless signals in airplane cabins, making it possible for passengers to enjoy more reliable connectivity when using networked personal electronic devices in the air. The sophisticated technology being used to test Wi-Fi and other in cabin signals? 20,000 pounds of potatoes: quote: Initially using a de-commissioned airplane, the team from Boeing Test & Evaluation laboratories conducted a series of such tests. The team determined that potatoes were ideal stand-ins for passengers, given their similar physical interactions with electronic signal properties. Much of the testing was conducted on the grounded airplane with the seats filled with 20,000 pounds of potato sacks. The test data was then validated on the ground with human stand-ins for passengers.
A video goes in to a little more detail about Boeing's testing methods. The FAA is currently exploring whether they should loosen rules governing in-flight communications equipment. |
tpkatl join:2009-11-16 Dacula, GA
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tpkatl
Member
2012-Dec-20 1:14 pm
Gives new meaning to the term "couch potato"I wonder if the testers saw "eye to eye" on this. | |
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