Four Choppers and a Blimp: The Bizarre Piasecki Helistat
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/four-choppers-and-a-blimp-the-bizarre-piasecki-helistat/

Bizzare, but with a certain majesty to it. Apply your own adjectives, but I for one don’t think it’s ugly.
Image: US Navy, Public Domain
" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PA-97_Helistat.jpg?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PA-97_Helistat.jpg?w=800">Over two decades after it was last deflated, detached from its gondola, and crated up at Lakehurst, the gas bag of an N-class ZPG-2W blimp was broken out and dusted …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/four-choppers-and-a-blimp-the-bizarre-piasecki-helistat/)

Ski Slopes for Laser Imaging
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/ski-slopes-for-laser-imaging/

Lasers are cool and all, but they can be somewhat difficult to control at times. This is especially true when you have hundreds, thousands, or millions of lasers you need …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/ski-slopes-for-laser-imaging/)

China is Shooting For The Moon Sooner Than You Think
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/china-is-shooting-for-the-moon-sooner-than-you-think/

Humanity first reached the moon in 1969. We went back a few times, then lost interest within three short years, and we haven’t been back since. NASA has just flew …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/china-is-shooting-for-the-moon-sooner-than-you-think/)

Flattening the Exhaust of a Laser Cutter to Save Space
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/flattening-the-exhaust-of-a-laser-cutter-to-save-space/

From laser cutters to 3D printers, having an exhaust duct at the back of a machine is a very common sight. However, these tend to be rather bulky, claiming many …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/flattening-the-exhaust-of-a-laser-cutter-to-save-space/)

By Our Calculations, You’ll Love the Flapulator
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/by-our-calculations-youll-love-the-flapulator/

Oh sure, you’ve got calculators. There’s that phone program of course, and the one that comes with your OS, and the TI-86 and possibly RPN numbers you’ve had since high …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/by-our-calculations-youll-love-the-flapulator/)

New Display for Old Multimeter
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/new-display-for-old-multimeter/

As a company, Fluke has been making electronic test equipment longer than the bipolar junction transistor has been around for. In that time they’ve developed a fairly stellar reputation for …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/new-display-for-old-multimeter/)

MotoGP Rubber = Better Climbing?
https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/motogp-rubber-better-climbing/

Walking on grass, it’s easy, no matter the shoe. How about an inclined trail? Some hiking shoes or nice tennis shoes will do the trick. How about climbing a mountain? …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/04/14/motogp-rubber-better-climbing/)