The NASA Solar Flapper is an unconventional concept for a plane that would use solar power and flapping of the aircraft's "wings" to propel itself up and forward. One blog writes, "This flight vehicle would integrate airfoil, propulsion, energy production, energy storage, and control into one seamless design with no conventional mechanical moving parts.
This ambitious personal aircraft design is targeted to reach speeds of over 150mph with a range of around 50 miles. The Puffin would be "hover-capable, electric-powered, super-quiet" and capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
Unveiled in mid-July, the creators of this Airbus concept plane say it could potentially become the standard for air-travel by the year 2050. The plane features ultra long and slim wings, a "U" shaped tail, and a more "intelligent" body to boost performance and efficiency.
This futuristic flying machine looks like it was taken right out of a sci-fi movie. However, the saucer is not just space-age, but eco-friendly too. It was designed by the CleanEra project, led by Etnel Straatsma of Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. CleanEra's aim is to create an environmentally friendly plane that "releases 50 percent less carbon dioxide per passenger-mile than current airliners," LiveScience writes. "The project's "greenliner"—depicted in design illustrations as a flying saucer—would also reduce other pollutants and noise, in line with recommendations from the European Aerospace Commission, ACARE."
The Icon A5, called the "ultimate joyride," can take off and land on water or dry land, and when its 32-foot wings are folded, it can fit comfortably into a large garage. Its creator hopes to make "flying small airplanes the luxury motor sport of the 21st century," and designed the Icon A5, which has an interior similar to that of a sports car, to have "sex appeal." The plane is priced at around $140,000.
