Solar Powered Jets and the Millionaire Survivalist

Sure, it sounds cool, but how practical is it? Is this yet another attempt by the tree huggers to take down big oil so they can help their hidden masters corner the market on future tech? I haven’t the foggiest, but I know this: anyone familiar with the prospect of a post-apocalyptic future knows that whoever controls the few remaining sources of energy, transportation, self-protection, etc., will have the power to rule the world.

Today on Rob Raskins’ Millionaire Survivalist, we’ll review the advancements in solar-powered aircraft and the direction experts believe it will go in the future.

Current State of the Art

The Swiss long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft project includes two operational aircraft. The prototype, Solar Impulse 1, is a fixed-wing, single-seated monoplane powered by photovoltaic cells. It takes off with its own power and is designed to remain airborne for 36 hours without a single drop of fuel. Impulse 1 flew a successful test flight in 2009, and in 2010 flew a 26-hour flight from Switzerland to Spain and then Morocco.

In 2014, the second aircraft, Solar Impulse 2, was outfitted with more solar cells and more powerful motors, and in 2015 circumnavigated the globe. That’s a 25,000-mile flight worldwide, covering four continents, two oceans, and three seas without a single drop of fuel. It has a wingspan wider than a B-747 jumbo jet but only weighs 5,000 pounds, which is close to a typical family car. It has over 17,000 photovoltaic solar cells, each the thickness of a human hair. It charges the plane’s four lithium batteries for night flights.

Unfortunately, with the extreme size relative to the low weight, the plane’s aerodynamics are a bit unwieldy. A wing dip of more than five degrees or strong winds from bad weather can cause it to spin out of control. So, for now, solo flights are not practical. It also has to fly at 30,000 feet during the day, which requires onboard oxygen, and 5,000 feet at night to avoid depleting the batteries during steep climbs.

Meanwhile, the US Navy has been working on a solar-powered aircraft that can fly continuously for 90 days. The Skydweller is a modification of the Solar Impulse 2 and includes new software and upgraded hardware. This is a significant leap forward in our ability to man flights not previously possible and to continue to fly if fuels become too scarce or impractical. In addition, it could be used as a communications relay platform or monitor of escort ships.

Conclusion

While I doubt most pilots are eager to change what has always worked for them, time will tell if this becomes a viable option on the commercial market. If it does, this solar-powered option can assist future millionaire survivalists in operating aircraft long after the technology and money for supplying fuel have collapsed, provided a nuclear winter, volcanic ash, or other calamity doesn’t block out the sun.

For more information, click here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2285848-us-navy-is-developing-a-solar-powered-plane-that-can-fly-for-90-days/