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Inventors are perfecting solar powered airplanes
By Franklyn Gallup of BibleFree.org
I was on my way to checking out a 24 inch telescope in Onalaska, WA when I heard on the radio that someone had created an airplane that would store enough solar energy during the day to fly all night. This just doesn't seem Wright .... Oh brother!! They said on the radio that there were pictures and more information on their website. I went and found Solar plane lands after completing 24-hour flight I decided to research and write an Intel on this subject. Airplanes fascinate me. This may seem like pretty far fetched science but consider the possibility of emissions-free air travel. Exploring a little more and I found NASA is involved with developing some of this technology too. See the Helios Solar Powered Aircraft video This brings back memories of the Howard Hughes H-4 Hercules often referred to as the Spruce Goose. This plane looked pretty far fetched at the time as well but it opened the door to commercial air travel as we no it today. Very often when someone comes up with an innovative new Idea, merely demonstrating that it possible is all the catalyst needed to get others tweaking and improving the idea. Often necessity is the mother of invention. The Spruce Goose was a result of the need to transport large quantities of war materials quickly to England during World War II. A solar powered airplane would be the result of a need for emissions-free and petroleum free aviation. I can see where this has huge potential. I visited Solar Impulse supporter website and clicked on the Friend option which is free. This will keep me updated on progress on the development of this technology. You might want to join too. If you click on the plane it will get much larger. They are selling pixel advertising on the solar panels to help with development. I also found this website about HELIOS project - Solar powered airplanes It includes specifications of the aircraft. |
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This technology will have some uses for remote monitoring but until they can produce a serviceable machine with a meaningful payload, the possibility of solar powered flight is not really short term. At the moment the necessity for large wing surfaces for both lift and solar cell display and the weight of motor, batteries and fuselage just about balance the equation. Maybe we will see the use of hybrid planes that will be powered to their most efficient flight level with electric motors to assist to achieve great fuel economy. In the medium term I would expect single passenger machines to be developed - similar to the microlite.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Having a meaningful payload is something they have to work on to make this practical.
"This just doesn't seem Wright" -- Good one! Seriously, anything that has the potential to contribute to environmental protection is a good thing in my view.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Solar powered airplanes seem to be getting some support lately. Maybe turbine engines instead of prop engines would be more efficient.
Wow! So, it's like a glider... with a huge wing span for lift and a small electrical engine? Great intel Mr. Wright! I think we have a Greek Uncle Titan in our family! :)
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
A glider has no engine at all so this is a little different. If this is a starting point and the solar cells get more efficient and the battery capacity gets better this could easily evolve into a workable means of air travel.
Hi Franklyn, Great Intel. I saw the news release on the "CTV" national news, but the item was so short it didn't cover a lot of what you supplied. Thanks. gilbertg
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
I am now on the mailing list so I will add information on this Intel as it becomes available.
Interesting Of course there are always many difficult issues to work through, but it does sound like an enticing possibility.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Perhaps they said, "Let's toss this idea out there and see if it will fly." And it did!
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