NASA has been reportedly working on an experimental plane, whose wings have been attached with 18 propellers in a bid to make a more-efficient, electric-powered craft.
NASA has attached 18 small engines to the plane's 31-feet wingspan, which is a part of their Leading Edge Asynchronous Propellers Technology (LEAPTech) project that work together to provide lift and propel it forward, The Verge reported.
Each electric propeller, which may be operated independently at different speeds to optimize power, has been powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries.
NASA would ground test the wings over next several months, during which the wings would be mounted to a modified truck called the Hybrid-Electric Integrated Systems Testbed (HEIST), which would drive up to 70 mph across a dry lakebed in California, though the final planned closing speed would be 200 mph with a maximum electric-powered reach of 230 mph.
Researchers believe that the improved LEAPTech wing could be used to create a new 'environmentally' and 'economically' efficient X-plane, the report added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app