New Silent Drones To Conduct Urban Flight Missions

​A small aircraft can now fly silently using an electro-aerodynamic propulsion system built without moving parts. Until now, aircraft have relied on moving parts within a propulsion system to provide the energy to fly. This silent, solid-state flying system is attractive for environments concerned with noise pollution and space missions hindered by moving parts that need repairs.
 
The electro-aerodynamic propulsion system creates an ionic wind, propelling the aircraft forward. The wind is created by electrodes beneath the wings, generating a high-voltage electric field, ionizing and accelerating naturally occurring nitrogen molecules in the air.
 
"The aircraft would enable package delivery missions in noise-sensitive areas or at night, where operations would otherwise not be allowed due to community opposition," wrote Steven Barrett, MIT aerospace engineering professor, in his NIAC project summary.
 
This latest breakthrough has revolutionized how we look at propulsion systems. Clear benefits in the near term involve smaller vehicles, such as drones that are otherwise noisy and disruptive. In the future, possibilities are endless, including space aircraft exploring other planets.

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