Solar Planes

Solar Airplanes?

Will 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?

NASA has made great inroads in the hydrogen cell for aircraft and there has been a solar aircraft manufactured that stayed in the air for a full 30 days. So solar powered aircraft are feasible, but the technology is still in its testing stages and there are still issues that arise.

What are the Possibilities of Having a Fully Solar Powered Commercial Airplane Some Day?

Actually the probabilities are pretty good. Some day we may be able to fly in a completely solar powered, or even solar powered combined with steam powered energy.

The Issues Involved

Of course, you have to manage to keep the Aircraft flying in a certain direction, and you need to keep the solar mirrors pointed at the sun, as well as keep it reflecting the sun's beam as it turns, climbs, or decreases in altitude. There are also drag issues, especially if there are any sharp edges that are not aero dynamical.

How Will Solar Powered Energy Aircraft Affect the Environment?

Solar energy is environmentally friendly. There is nothing harmful emitted into the air. There is no carbon, and nothing harmful added to the environment. It is very cost effective, and can be used anywhere on the entire planet. You don't have to live in the tropics or somewhere that is extremely warm. Solar energy is just as effective in cold climates as it is in warm ones.

When will we have Solar Powered Aircraft?

So, all of this is good news, right? Of course it is, but it still doesn't specify when, or if ever, we will have feasible, working, commercial aircraft. Maybe it's not a matter of when, but what we ask, and how we demand feasible responses from our government and the private corporate world.

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