# Engine-Eschewing Gliders This High-Altitude Glider Uses Natural Airstreams to Achieve Elevation By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2018-09-05 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highaltitude-glider References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/record-breaking-perlan-2-space/56183/) & [perlanproject.org](http://perlanproject.org/press/2018-world-record-flights-pending) European aerospace giant [Airbus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demonstrator-aircraft) caused a giant stir when it first began unveiling plans for an engine-less high-altitude glider, but the end result is truly spectacular, with the Perlan 2 showcasing its ability to break an array of flight records. Having demonstrated an ability to reach an altitude of 23 kilometers, the Perlan 2 high-altitude glider is designed to use high-power airstreams that occur in nature, instead of relying on gas-guzzling engines. For this reason, the glider is designed to be very lightweight, with its 500-kilogram weight and substantial 27-meter wingspan making for an ideal combination of low weight and high aerodynamic ability. The aerospace world has always been a pioneer in testing and introducing [new transportation technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-flight) which have then gone on to inspire land transportation solutions, and the Perlan 2 high-altitude glider's ability to reach untold heights without an engine is something that could bode well for the [commercial airliners of the future](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantom-3500). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Engine-less Flight:** Developing engine-less aircrafts using natural airflow has disruptive innovation potential in terms of efficiency and environmental impact on the aviation industry. - **Lightweight Design:** Creating lightweight aircrafts with scalable capabilities has disruptive innovation potential in reaching new heights and breaking flight records. - **Aerodynamic Efficiency:** Improving the aerodynamic efficiency of aviation technology using natural airstreams has disruptive innovation potential in achieving sustainability and reducing fuel consumption. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace:** Innovations in engine-less flight like the Perlan 2 high-altitude glider can revolutionize the aerospace industry's focus on sustainable energy solutions. - **Aviation:** Lightweight design using natural airflow can disrupt the aviation industry by improving flight efficiency and reducing environmental impact. - **Transportation:** The Perlan 2 high-altitude glider's breakthrough in altitude and weight demonstrates disruptive innovation potential in transportation beyond aviation, such as autonomous drones or air taxis. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-horizon.md) - [Decarbonizing Demonstrator Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demonstrator-aircraft.md) - [Aerodynamic Gyroplane Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyroplane.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md) - [Futuristic Bladeless Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetopetra.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Gliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider.md) - [Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emissionsfree-evtol-aircraft.md) - [Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbus.md)