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Laser-Powered Travel

Light Beam Propulsion for Aerospace and Aircraft

— February 27, 2009 — Eco
It sounds like something out of 'Star Trek,' traveling at hypersonic speed using laser beam-powered propulsion, but aerospace engineer Leik Myrabo believes it is not only possible, but likely.

In separate experiments, researchers at the University of Tokyo and at the Center for Applied Optics at the University of Alabama have used a laser to propel tiny airplanes. Cooperative testing is also being done by the U.S. and Brazilian air forces.

In his book, Lightcraft Flight Handbook LTI-20: Hypersonic Flight Transport for an Era Beyond Oil, Myrabo claims, “All that’s needed now is to actually build them. The problem has evolved from a scientific one to an engineering one.”
Trend Themes
1. Laser-powered Travel - Opportunity for aerospace industry to develop laser-powered propulsion systems for hypersonic travel.
2. Light Beam Propulsion - Potential for research and development in using laser beams to propel aircraft.
3. Hypersonic Flight Transport - Disruptive innovation opportunity for the aviation industry to create a new era of ultra-fast transportation using laser-powered flight.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - Aerospace industry can explore the use of laser-powered propulsion for hypersonic travel.
2. Aircraft - Opportunity for the aircraft industry to implement laser beam propulsion technology into new aircraft designs.
3. Aviation - Aviation industry has the potential to revolutionize transportation with the development of laser-powered hypersonic flight technology.
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