DARPA-Backed Drone Achieves Flight with Solid-State Electric Propulsion
A drone funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has successfully completed a test flight using a novel solid-state propulsion system. Developed by Florida-based firm Applied Physics, the technology uses electrodes to create a powerful electric field that ionizes air, generating thrust without any moving parts. This innovative system allows the drone to operate with near-silent acoustics, a significant advantage for covert military operations. The successful demonstration proves the viability of electro-aerodynamic propulsion, a concept previously considered unfeasible for generating sufficient lift. This breakthrough could pave the way for a new class of silent, efficient, and low-maintenance unmanned aerial vehicles.
Official Source: https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-darpa-drone-flies-electric
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