Infrared radiation powered lightweight aircraft

Patent · Tue Mar 13 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6887822

Long, D E

This patent describes a high altitude, ultralight aircraft requiring no fuel. It comprises: an aircraft having wings with broad area lower wing surfaces and a fuselage; a low speed propeller mounted on the aircraft; electric motor means mounted on the aircraft and coupled to drive the propeller; long wavelength infrared (LWIR) responsive cell means for receiving infrared energy radiated from the earth and for supplying electricity to power the motor means. The LWIR cell means being mounted on the lower surfaces of the wings and the fuselage; and the LWIR being substantially the only source of input power for the aircraft to provide a continuous source of power both during the day and at night; whereby the aircraft may have a life at elevated altitudes of several years.

• Assignee: NOV; EDB-90-101114; NOV-90-016020
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4907764
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-204019A
• OSTI ID: 6887822
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250901* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Design & Development
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300301 -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Design & Development
AIRCRAFT
AIRFOILS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INFRARED RADIATION
MOTORS
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIATIONS
THERMAL BATTERIES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS