NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For release: 10-09-03
Photo release #: 03-180

From gas-powered to laser-powered!
NASA research team successfully flies first laser-powered aircraft

Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 720 x 576 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

With a laser beam centered on its solar panel, technician Tony Frakowiak (left) of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., and researcher Tim Blackwell of the University of Alabama in Huntsville check out the lightweight model aircraft before its power-beamed demonstration flight. (Tom Tschida, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center)

 

Large 3000 x 2207 (300)
Medium 720 x 530 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

With a laser beam centered on its panel of photovoltaic cells, the lightweight model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser beam inside a building at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville Ala. (Tom Tschida, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center)

 

Large 2400 x 3000 (300)
Medium 500 x 625 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

Powered by a laser beam directed at it from a center pedestal, the lightweight model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by laser energy inside a building at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (Tom Tschida, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center)

 

Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 720 x 576 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

Project engineer Dave Bushman of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., carefully aims the optics of a laser device at a photovoltaic cell panel on a model aircraft during the first flight demonstration of the aircraft powered by laser light. (Tom Tschida, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center)

Contact Jerry Berg Media Relations Dept. (256) 544-0034 Alan Brown Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. (661) 276-3449

E-mail Get releases sent directly to you! Contact: Betty Humphery