“Lighter than air” aircraft takes off for test flight

The Phoenix aircraft, developed by Scottish scientists, covered a distance of 120m in its first test flight in March. It is considered an extremely durable autonomous aircraft, which can alternate between lighter and heavier-than-air states to create thrust, thereby flying continuously in the sky.

Phoenix aircraft with helium-filled fuselage.

The Phoenix, which looks like a 15m long balloon with a 10.5m wingspan, is designed for commercial and scientific purposes. Its creators hope it will revolutionize the telecommunications industry.

“For half the time, the Phoenix is ​​a heavier-than-air aircraft and the other half is a lighter-than-air balloon. The constant transition between the two states helps generate thrust,” explains Andrew Rae, professor of engineering at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

"This system allows Phoenix to be self-powered. Vehicles based on this technology could be used as pseudo-satellites and would be a low-cost solution for telecommunications operations," Rae added. The team also hopes that Phoenix could be used to broadcast Wi-Fi to remote areas.

The fuselage contains helium, which helps it rise, and an airbag that can suck and compress air, helping it descend. The Phoenix is ​​also equipped with solar panels on its wings and tail to power its valves and pumps.

Airship hybrids have been making a comeback in recent years. The Airlander 10, a helium-filled aircraft billed as the world's largest, is expected to begin commercial operations in the next few years.