Power-beam research aircraft. Experimental radio-controlled model aircraft in flight being powered only by the energy of the light from a spotlight be
Power-beam research aircraft. Experimental radio-controlled model aircraft in flight being powered only by the energy of the light from a spotlight beam. The aircraft weighs 262 grams and is made mostly from balsa wood and plastic wrap. A solar panel attached to the underside of the fuselage converts the light energy into electrical energy. Future applications of this technology will use a laser to power the aircraft. This research is being carried out jointly with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, with this test flight taking place in a hanger at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, USA. Photographed on 1 October 2002.
Size: 3310px × 2648px
Photo credit: © NASA/TOM TSCHIDA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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