‘Star Trek’ emission-free aeroplane with no moving parts takes flight for first time
The air travel industry could be facing a technology revolution – after a silent, emission free aircraft with a ‘Star Trek’ propulsion system took flight for the first time.
The 16ft glider uses an ‘ionic wind’ of electrically charged air molecules instead of turbines, jet engines or propellers.
It’s completely silent and emits no greenhouse gases, and the glider was designed by scientists at MIT. .
The aircraft is driven by an array of wires strung below its wings, which strip electrons from air molecules – which then flow towards negatively charged wires at the back of the plane.
As they flow, they collide with air molecules, creating thrust – enough for a flight of up to 197ft.
Its inventor, Dr Steven Barrett, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, admits he was inspired by shuttle craft in Star Trek.
Dr Barrett said, ‘It made me think, in the long-term future, planes shouldn’t have propellers and turbines.’
‘They should be more like the shuttles in Star Trek that have just a blue glow and silently glide.
‘This is the first-ever sustained flight of a plane with no moving parts in the propulsion system.
‘This has potentially opened new and unexplored possibilities for aircraft which are quieter, mechanically simpler, and do not emit combustion emissions.’
