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Did someone say plasma airplane wings? How cool is that...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/space/plasma-air-control/
We just watched moving air being controlled by plasma, the lesser-known, fourth state of matter which also exists in the blistering core of our sun. And while such lab demonstrations are both uncanny and awe-inspiring, these so-called plasma actuators could produce far more impressive benefits in the real world, especially for the aviation and wind power industries, and maybe even the trucking business.
On airplane wings, for example, tiny plasma actuators could help planes fly more safely, more efficiently, and with greater stability and control. They can speed, slow or divert air flows in ways that can cut drag, fuel use, and CO2 emissions by as much as 25%, researchers estimate. Some experts even think that these devices might someday replace conventional flight control surfaces such as flaps and ailerons. Imagine witnessing the ghoulish purple glow of the lab demo from the window seat of a transcontinental flight.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday August 27 2016, @11:30AM
what do you mean "quite a bit of energy"? lighting a flame on the side of the wing would certainly use much less fuel than running the engines.
Because "Fly with us, our planes are constantly on fire!" is not much of a sales pitch, so a more elaborate implementation is required :)
(Score: 4, Funny) by Marand on Saturday August 27 2016, @12:57PM
Because "Fly with us, our planes are constantly on fire!" is not much of a sales pitch, so a more elaborate implementation is required :)
Are you kidding? That sounds fucking awesome!
"Thank you for flying Epic Air, where the planes are always on fire! I'll be your pilot for this trip, and I am metal as fuck! Please place all seats in the upright position and begin headbanging during takeoff." [heavy metal guitar solo plays]
(Score: 1) by khallow on Saturday August 27 2016, @03:40PM
(Score: 2) by mhajicek on Monday August 29 2016, @05:44AM
All planes are on fire when the engines are running.
The spacelike surfaces of time foliations can have a cusp at the surface of discontinuity. - P. Hajicek