The world is gradually shifting towards eco-friendly ways of living, and transportation is one major industry carrying the gauntlet. Solar-powered airplanes are the future in this quest, and this concept gives us a look at the horizon of air travel in a decade’s time.
Solar Impulse solar-powered aircrafts developed by US-Spanish aerospace firm Skydweller Aero have shown us what totally fuel independent flying machines are capable of – sans any dependence on hauling fuel or need to refuel by pit stop landing. Venturing on intercontinental flights and countless flying hours, the solar aircraft opened up the world to the possibilities of totally sustainable flights. Laszlo Nemeth wants to carry forward the zero-emission dream of commercial and private aircraft flights with this intriguing concept.
Designer: Laszlo Nemeth
Looking more like the Tesla Model S of the renewable energy-powered aircraft world, this is the Falcon Solar aircraft concept that takes to the skies with its wide wingspan. This concept design breaks the accepted norms of aircraft design with an advanced set of wings that have a curved shape. One thing that caught my eye is the inverted wingspan compared to the real flacon bird. Stacked against the overall body ratio of the solar aircraft, the wings are quite large, perhaps to provide superior lift and lessen aerodynamic drag.
There are no rudders or rear wing or vertical stabilizers which actuate the direction of the aircraft. Hopefully, we are staring down an advanced technology that makes swift turning possible without these currently vital parts on any flying machine. The array of solar panels spans across the whole length of the wings which should be able to produce enough energy from the sun when gliding over the clouds. For now, the cabin of the aircraft looks quite compact and we don’t yet know if there is ample space for passengers to be hauled. This craft could be more like a luxury yacht of the skies for millionaires to play around with, in the near future, who knows!
