4 ms·
It would make me nervous to fly in a plane without physical actuators. But maybe I'm old fashioned.
by ape4 10y ago
It would make me nervous to fly in a plane without physical actuators. But maybe I'm old fashioned.
- Rooster61 10y agoI didn't get that from the article. I think the idea is less of replacing conventional actuators completely, and more covering the the physical actuators with a layer of plasma to mitigate non-efficient airflow before it hits the actuator.
- hawski 10y agoFor now you're right, but for the future... From the article: > The technology could even replace traditional wing flaps, he says. Although the plasma-actuated “flapless” or “hingeless” wings are currently only suitable for smaller aircraft such as drones or UAVs, Erfani believes that further development could make the technology viable on larger, faster planes.
- Rooster61 10y agoI think we are a LONG ways off from having plasma emitters strong enough to make essentially lightsaber wings. Interesting thought though :)
- Myztiq 10y agoI don't think that's the concept. It's a solid wing with no moving parts and lift is modified solely by the plasma emitters. The entire wing's surface is still a solid material, it's just the plasma is modifying how the air behaves around it causing change in lift.
- mertd 10y agoIf it makes you feel any better, the actuators of the physical actuators haven't been physical for more than a decade now.
- DiabloD3 10y agoWhat are they, then?
- knz 10y agoI assume they are referring to fly by wire?
- wmeredith 10y agoSolid state electronic, I'd imagine. Either way, without electricity, you're not flying anymore.
- hexane360 10y agoIf it makes you feel better, they've been dealing with electrical failure for years now. Each engine generates enough to power the airplane. Additionally, there are backup batteries and backup generators on board. The 757/767 even has a pop-down turbine as a last resort. Worst case, the power capacities of these systems needs to be beefed up. And like you hinted, flying a large plane without hydraulic power is practically impossible anyways. It's not a huge leap from that to plasma actuators.