115 years after the First Flight, is a revolution in aircraft propulsion looming?

[Peterroy]

Fascinating. Imagine, an airplane that that has no moving parts (i.e. an engine) that can fly! Note the similarity to the original Wright Flyer. Admittedly, it will be a long way before any
practical aircraft can use this technology.

http://news.mit.edu/2018/first-ionic...ing-parts-1121

[astjp2]

Yes, you WILL buy that auto STC for your Taylorcraft Peter...that is about revolutionary that you wife will let you handle...

[Robert Lees]

115 years after the First Flight, is a revolution in aircraft propulsion looming?

Actually the first flight (by humans) is recognised as being by the Montgolfier brothers in Paris in 1783 (so that's 235 years ago). After then there was great progression in gliding flight in Europe, generally by the likes of George Cayley (1773-1857) of England, Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896) of Germany and Percy Pilcher (1866-1899) of England.

If you are referring to sustained powered flight, that's a different matter. We Europeans were generally first in most things. <G> I'm being polite because I know and like you, Peter, otherwise I'd become rude <smile>.

It was wryly amusing to me to fly in to "First Flight" airport at Kitty Hawk a few years ago; I had to be polite and bite my tongue, being an anclican alien.

Rob

[Peterroy]

Rob, your command of the english language is indeed, impressive; probably on par with Shakespeare. But even Merriam-Webster couldn't help me with anclican alien. My best guess is that it is West Germanic for pilot extraordinaire.