The NASA Helios prototype solar-powered wing on its first test flight over the Pacific Ocean on July 14, 2001.
Each of the 14 solar panels powered a 2-horsepower electric motor which drives one of the fourteen propellers.
This remarkable vehicle has reached an altitude 0f 81,000 ft(24,700 m) and, under ideal weather condition can go even higher.
It is also ideal for checking the wing theory since we don't have to worry about tail surfaces or fuselages or large engine nacelles.
No comments:
Post a Comment