Tiny solar-powered flyer weighs less than a paper plane [video] (opens in new tab)

(youtube.com)

9 pointslab141y ago4 comments

4 comments

For once the video shows a real prototype. At the moment it can't be steered but the whole thing works by virtue of rotors made out of solar cells and extreme light weight. Worth a watch.

floxy1y ago

I don't think the rotor is made from solar cells. See the solar cells get covered up at 158 seconds:

https://youtu.be/bf7RjMUXomE?si=PZsAkrJeQ4ichWaw&t=158

...but the electrostatic motor is pretty cool, and is key to the ultra light weight.

tomcam1y ago

I misunderstood the article. Thanks for the correction.

hkmaxpro1y ago

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

4 comments

tomcam1y ago

For once the video shows a real prototype. At the moment it can't be steered but the whole thing works by virtue of rotors made out of solar cells and extreme light weight. Worth a watch.

floxy1y ago

I don't think the rotor is made from solar cells. See the solar cells get covered up at 158 seconds:

https://youtu.be/bf7RjMUXomE?si=PZsAkrJeQ4ichWaw&t=158

...but the electrostatic motor is pretty cool, and is key to the ultra light weight.

tomcam1y ago

I misunderstood the article. Thanks for the correction.

hkmaxpro1y ago

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse