New ionic aircraft breakthrough has no moving parts and uses no fuel

Researchers from MIT in the US have demonstrated the first ever sustained flight of a new ionic thrust aircraft with no moving parts and that uses no combustable fuels.

Air travel has become an essential part of everyday life for millions of people around the world, but the powerful jet engines used on commercial airlines burn massive quantities of jet fuel and emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Modern aircraft are also full of moving parts that can break and need to be maintained, reducing the lifespan of the vehicle.

The Guardian reports that a team of researchers from MIT led by aeronautics professor Steven Barrett has announced the first successful sustained flight from a heavier-than-air aircraft using no fuel and with no moving parts. The craft has a wingspan of 5 metres and uses an ionic propulsion system that moves air over the wing by literally creating its own localised wind. A set of thin wires at around 20,000 volts ionises the air near surrounding it, which then rushes to the negatively charged aerofoil to create the wind.

The technique has been used before to move small objects, but this craft is larger and heavier than anything previously used. The technology is still years away from commercial use and there are still significant challenges to overcome in its development, such as getting it to work reliably outside the lab, carry enough weight to be feasible for carrying passengers, and fly for a longer duration.



Source: The Guardian