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Science & Technology

NASA developing plane with 18 propellers

By T.K. Randall
March 22, 2015 · Comment icon 8 comments

An artist's impression of what the finished plane will look like. Image Credit: NASA
A new experimental aircraft has been designed to demonstrate the viability of battery-powered planes.
Known as the Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology project ( LEAPTech ), the new design uses lithium iron phosphate batteries to power an array of 18 propellers attached to a carbon composite wing measuring 31ft across.

The project is part of NASA's ongoing X-Plane program which has developed prototypes of several revolutionary aircraft over the last few decades including the first rocket powered plane to break the sound barrier and the precursor to the space shuttles.
While the new propeller-based aircraft is not yet ready for a test flight, the team behind it will shortly be conducting a ground-based test which involves mounting the wing on to a truck and using the propellers to accelerate it at speeds of up to 70mph across a dry lake bed in California.

The large number of propellers, which work by blowing air over the wing to pull the plane forwards and to generate lift, allow for a much thinner design than that of most conventional aircraft.

If all goes well the plane should be capable of flying up to 200mph with a range of 450 miles.

Source: Wired | Comments (8)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #1 Posted by bubblykiss 9 years ago
This should revitalize the miniature propeller industry.
Comment icon #2 Posted by back to earth 9 years ago
Why doesnt it have solar panels on the wings? What ... you have to land to recharge ?
Comment icon #3 Posted by Father Merrin 9 years ago
What next? un-slicing bread
Comment icon #4 Posted by xxxdemonxxx 9 years ago
Unslicing bread? Well that's just silly. I'd rather see my hard earned taxes go to uncracking eggs.
Comment icon #5 Posted by Merc14 9 years ago
This should revitalize the miniature propeller industry. Too funny
Comment icon #6 Posted by LarsSonicFan 9 years ago
they should focus more on space travel for the normal human, like you and me.
Comment icon #7 Posted by Thorvir Hrothgaard 9 years ago
Wait, 18 propellers or 18 little engines with 5 propellers each?
Comment icon #8 Posted by Blurfoot 9 years ago
they should focus more on space travel for the normal human, like you and me. Leave me out of this!


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