Infrared radiation powered lightweight aircraft
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
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AIRCRAFT
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DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
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