Imagine a plane that will fly just like a bird: "no turbines or propellers, no flaps or rudders interrupting the smooth surface of the plane's flattened body as it emits barely a whisper as it sweeps past." Funded by NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts, the plane (as envisioned by a group of researchers working on the project) would be unmanned, solar-powered, and made of strong, lightweight materials. Its size could range from a few meters across to perhaps a hundred meters, depending on its mission."
Why fly like a bird? One reason is energy efficiency. Because of the flapping wings, the aircraft would be able to glide for long periods of time and collect solar power and flapping to maintain altitude. Another reason is that this design, which has long been of interest, has morphing capabilities. Morphing wing technology would allow “military jets to outmaneuver their adversaries."
When can we expect this to become reality? So far this concept is only "in the minds of a small research team", however, with NASA's help we could see "this become a reality within a decade or two."
Fly Like A Bird
NASA's Latest Flight Project
Trend Themes
1. Bird-inspired Flight - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create aircraft designs that mimic bird flight for enhanced energy efficiency and maneuverability.
2. Solar-powered Aircraft - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop unmanned planes powered by solar energy for long-duration flights.
3. Morphing Wing Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate morphing wing technology into military aircraft to enhance their maneuvering capabilities and tactical advantage.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the aerospace industry by designing aircraft that are more energy efficient and inspired by natural flight.
2. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Capitalize on solar energy advancements by developing solar-powered unmanned aircraft for various applications.
3. Military Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhance military jets' capabilities by incorporating morphing wing technology for superior maneuverability.