Is There a Flying Vehicle That Can Stay in the Air with People Onboard Without Landing Forever?
Attempting to build a perpetual motion machine for aerial transportation is a fascinating yet impractical endeavor. The Second Law of Thermodynamics clearly states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. As a result, no vehicle, despite its ingenuity, can indefinitely remain aloft with people on board without eventually needing to land.
Challenges in Aerial Duration
While the concept of a vehicle that can stay airborne for extended durations without landing is intriguing, it faces significant technical and practical challenges. The critical issues include maintenance, fluid requirements, fuel oil, hydraulics, and lubricants. These components are essential for the operation and longevity of any flying vehicle.
Historically, there have been instances of remarkable endurance flights, such as the Rutan Voyager's around-the-world record flight, which lasted for 9 days. More famously, Bob Timm and John Cook set a record by staying aloft for an astonishing 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes in a Cessna 172 from December 1958 to February 1959. This achievement, however, was made possible due to a diligent maintenance schedule and the availability of continuous support.
Modern Approaches
The Solar Impulse 2 has demonstrated that a combination of solar panels and electric engines can enable extended flights, potentially staying in the air for several months. However, the feasibility of such long-duration flights without maintenance remains questionable. Pilots and the need for frequent check-ups are critical limitations.
In theory, a vehicle that is extremely lightweight, capable of flying very high, and equipped with solar panels on its wings, along with electric motors and batteries, could stay in the air indefinitely until it fails. However, extensive experimental work and engineering advancements are required to make this vision a reality.
Historical Projects
Around 1950, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had a project to develop a nuclear-powered airplane for military purposes. The goal was to create a vehicle capable of indefinite flight. While such a craft could stay aloft for extended periods, the practicality and safety concerns posed by such technology made it an unviable option. Even during my experience as a pilot, I found more than 25 hours in a B-52 to be more than sufficient.
The Case for Airships
One alternative for indefinite air travel is an airship, which doesn't require landing and can offer significant advantages. Airships are particularly useful for surveillance, cargo transport, and long-duration flights. The real question is, what is the specific advantage of never landing?
Potential Uses and Limitations
If the primary goal is to create a flying house or a hovering habitation, a tether could be a viable option, providing easy access to power. Otherwise, the vehicle would be largely limited to solar and wind energy for extended flight durations.
When you combine the terms "people" and "forever" in a question, you should recognize the inherent challenges in providing a concrete answer. Fundamentally, the answer is no. However, with advancements in technology and innovative designs, the duration and capabilities of flying vehicles are constantly evolving, bringing us closer to the idea of indefinite flight.