There has always been a great deal of discussion that centers on finding better and more efficient ways for people to get from place to place. Trains have become much better over the years and continue to improve with the high-speed trains used around the world. Cars continue to evolve all of the time and get better each year thanks to computer technology. There is also some hope for changes within the airplane, not just in making the ride more comfortable and safer, but more energy efficient. There is a great deal of interest today centering on the use of the solar airplane to see what it holds for the future.
The Solar Impulse Provides Hope
The first real indication of what seems to be going on with solar airplanes has been the recent tests flights involving the Solar Impulse 2. The Solar Impulse 2 is a completely solar-powered airplane that is currently trying to make its way around the world in its flight to become the first of its kind to do so. If it is able to complete the flight plan this will show the great potential that solar airplanes can have for the future. The plane, while having a wingspan that is comparable to that of a Boeing 747, is significantly lighter, weighing less than the typical SUV. While this particular plane itself is designed only to hold one person, the success of the plane opens up the door to countless other possibilities that have already undertaken research and development.
The Progress Eagle – The Plane of the Future
The real interest revolving around the success of the Solar Impulse 2 lies with the Progress Eagle, a concept plane that is being designed and developed at this time that would be a zero-emissions plane. This plane makes use of hydrogen engines and a rear engine that also acts as a wind turbine while the plane also features solar panels on its roof and wings to help provide power. The plane would be able to generate its own energy to function and would be virtually noiseless. The plane would seat 800 passengers and be three tiers provide greater comfort to both passengers and crew, but the obvious advantage of having a plane of this nature lies in that it has no reliance on fossil fuels and makes use of the latest technology available.
While the Progress Eagle is still being developed and may be fifteen years away before one is actually seen, the technology needed to build such a plane already exists, exciting those involved in the field about what a plane like this could do to revolutionize the industry. With the current success of Solar Impulse 2 and the plans for the future that are seen in the aviation industry it does not look like it will be that long into the future before changes can be seen to make flying not just safer and more comfortable but more technologically sound and environmentally safe.