Laser aircraft propulsionThe concept of using a high energy continuous wave laser beam from a power satellite in geosynchronous orbit to power a commercial air transport during cruise, i.e., a laser-powered airplane, is examined. These studies indicate that a laser powered airplane is a nearly fuelless and pollution-free flight transportation system which is cost competitive with the fuel conservative air transport of the future. This laser flight system involves the integration of a conventional aircraft with a laser power satellite and a set of laser driven turbofans, all of which can be fabricated with existing or projected technology. The dominant cost of the laser-powered flight transportation system is the cost of the power satellite.
Document ID
19790032605
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Hertzberg, A. (Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Sun, K. (Washington, University Seattle, Wash., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Aircraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Radiation energy conversion in space; Conference