The vision of future Earth as depicted in films, whether utopian or dystopian, almost always includes a solar air ship of some sort. Now one group of aerodynamics engineers have created what looks like a very real solution to make such a vehicle a reality.
The Solar Ship is a unique combination of helium balloons and solar arrays that allows the ship to travel up to 600 miles with up to 2,000 pounds of cargo. While the helium keeps the ship afloat the solar arrays send power to a lithium-ion battery system. Far from a concept design, this aircraft actually exists. You can see one of its test flights, as well as the group's vision for the future of the Solar Ship in the videos below.
Via TorontoStar
Via TorontoStar
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