Four years ago, MIT made history with a real-life ion drive model plane. It was a major breakthrough in aircraft propulsion. Fast forward to today, a Florida startup has unveiled the new design of its silent eVTOL drone powered by ion propulsion.
Yes. Already. It is not quite the ion engine that powers the fiction TIE fighter but it is many steps closer to realizing this new kind of propulsion. The concept vehicle, called Silent Ventus, uses a proprietary technology that enables the aircraft to fully utilize the ion cloud surrounding the craft to generate ion thrust in atmospheric air.
Previously, the company achieved a major milestone with a flight that lasted two and half minutes at a noise level under 85 dB. The company is now working to achieve longer flight times with noise levels below 70 decibels. The next mission flight is slated to happen in May.
Images: Undefined Technologies.
via autoevolution.
