Solar plane soars, slowly, on first flight
A solar plane with wings as wide as a 747 and the power of a small motorboat took to the skies for the first time Wednesday, cruising a mile high at low speeds for nearly 1½ hours in a step toward becoming the first sun-powered aircraft to circle the world.
The Future of Green Transportation
Solar Airplanes?
By Levi QuinnWill there actually be solar airplanes in the future? Have you ever sat and wondered what our future will be like? Will we continue on the same course we are on, or will alternative energies take be a larger solution to some of our energy needs? Where will the future of solar power and alternative fuels take us? Will there be solar energy planes? That is an interesting question, one that many of us who are environmentally friendly ask.
In essence, solar energy is the constraining and using of energy, but energy that is produced by the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Today solar technology has allowed us to use solar power for many of our everyday power needs. For instance, we can use solar power for heating, home electricity, and even vehicular transportation. The future of solar energy is bright, but how far will it take us.
This is all well and great but is it possible to use solar energy for aircraft transportation?
Well after some research, it appears that alternative fuel testing to power aircraft has been tested, and some have worked. For instance, did you know that in 1935 aircraft steam engines were manufactured, tested and found to work?
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