Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

im_thatoneguy t1_j5kowf4 wrote

Reply to comment by ObituaryPegasus in Seattle-based Jetoptera is developing a vertical takeoff aircraft that can travel at almost 1,000 km/h with a radically simplified new type of engine. With almost no moving parts, it uses super-compressed air to create vortexes for thrust. by lughnasadh

>but the thrust is directed by something similar to what you see on a Dyson fan

Minor correction since we're trying to correct misleading headlines: the thrust isn't from the gas turbine, the air passing through the turbine is simply exhausted. The thrust is from a cold air compressor driven by the turbine shaft. So it's like a turbine powered helicopter or turboprop aircraft in that the turbine is used just like a piston engine purely for mechanical energy.

That's one of the features that the creators are advertising: the thrust is cold and relatively safe, like rotor wash vs standing behind a jet.

Also theoretically with breakthroughs in battery technology, you could skip the turbine entirely. The technology itself isn't reliant on turbines. They could use any power plant: piston, electric motor, Mr Fusion-- anything that can power a compressor.

2