A laser-powered airplane? NASA Model Plane Flies on Laser Power:
NASA has built and flown a remote-controlled plane powered from the ground by the beam of an invisible laser.In indoor flights conducted last month at a NASA center in Alabama, the plane flew lap after lap, gliding to a landing once the laser beam was turned off, the agency said Thursday.
While in flight, the laser tracked the 11-ounce, five-foot wingspan plane, striking the photovoltaic cells that powered the tiny motor that turned its lone propeller.
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The remote-controlled planes don’t have to carry their own fuel or batteries, providing more room for scientific instruments or communications equipment.Scientists envision flying the planes on long-duration flights to monitor the environment, including erupting volcanos. The planes also could be used for surveillance or to provide communications links.
I’m thinking a laser-powered dirigible makes more sense…