French designer Daphnis Fournier has developed a conceptual commercial airplane that is powered entirely by electricity. The concept has a unique look that is unlike anything seen in the skies today. Fournier’s concept features two wings connected to an air-filled balloon. The roof of the balloon is covered in photovoltaic panels.
According the designer, the roof is filled with air to reduce energy loss (in case you were wondering). Fournier’s logic behind making her aircraft concept entirely solar powered is sound. She figures that the plane should be able to capture all of the energy they need as they fly above the clouds. She doesn’t mention anything about night flights, but it’s possible that the concept could be able to gather enough energy during the day to power it at night.
Ballooning Solar Planes
Daphnis Fournier’s Jet Concept is Designed to Clean Up the Skies
Trend Themes
1. Electric Airplanes - The trend of electric airplanes presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the aviation industry, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
2. Solar-powered Aircraft - The trend of solar-powered aircraft opens up opportunities for clean energy adoption in the aviation sector, reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Innovative Airplane Designs - The trend of innovative airplane designs, such as Daphnis Fournier's concept, showcases the potential for unconventional and efficient aircraft structures to revolutionize the industry.
Industry Implications
1. Aviation - The aviation industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by embracing electric and solar-powered airplanes, leading to more sustainable and eco-friendly air travel.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy sector can benefit from the integration of solar-powered aircraft, creating new avenues for clean energy production and adoption in transportation.
3. Aerospace Engineering - The field of aerospace engineering can leverage the trend of innovative airplane designs to push the boundaries of aircraft efficiency, performance, and sustainability.