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Laser aircraftThe concept of a laser-powered aircraft is discussed. Laser flight would be completely compatible with existing airports and air-traffic control, with the airplane using kerosene only power, up to a cruising altitude of 9 km where the laser satellite would lock on and beam laser energy to it. Two major components make up the laser turbofan, a heat exchanger for converting laser radiation into thermal energy, and conventional turbomachinery. The laser power satellite would put out 42 Mw using a solar-powered thermal engine to generate electrical power for the closed-cycle supersonic electric discharge CO laser, whose radiators, heat exchangers, supersonic diffuser, and ducting will amount to 85% of the total subsystem mass. Relay satellites will be used to intercept the beam from the laser satellite, correct outgoing beam aberrations, and direct the beam to the next target. A 300-airplane fleet with transcontinental range is projected to save enough kerosene to equal the energy content of the entire system, including power and relay satellites, in one year.
Document ID
19790042584
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hertzberg, A.
(Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Sun, K.
(Washington, University Seattle, Wash., United States)
Jones, W. S.
(Lockheed Research Laboratories Palo Alto, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Astronautics and Aeronautics
Volume: 17
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
79A26597
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-49-002-044
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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