Flight of an aeroplane with solid-state propulsion

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Physics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional aeroplanes rely on fossil-fuel combustion and moving parts like propellers or turbines.
• Electroaerodynamics (EAD) offers a potential alternative for silent, emission-free propulsion without moving parts.
• Previous attempts at EAD-propelled flight were unsuccessful due to perceived limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of sustained powered flight using an electroaerodynamic propulsion system.
• To design and fly a heavier-than-air aircraft with a solid-state propulsion system.
• To overcome established limitations in thrust-to-power ratio and thrust density for EAD.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed a fixed-wing aeroplane with a five-meter wingspan.
• Integrated an ultralight, high-voltage (40-kilovolt) power converter and batteries onboard.
• Conducted multiple flight tests to assess performance and stability.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved steady-level flight with the EAD-propelled aeroplane.
• Demonstrated that limitations in thrust-to-power ratio and thrust density are surmountable.
• Provided a proof of concept for solid-state electroaerodynamic propulsion in aviation.

Conclusions:

• Electroaerodynamics is a viable method for aeroplane propulsion.
• This technology opens possibilities for quieter, mechanically simpler aircraft with zero combustion emissions.
• The study overcomes previous barriers, paving the way for EAD-powered flight.