An efficient turboprop engine and large fuel capacity enable NASA's Ikhana aircraft to remain aloft for up to 30 hours on science or technology flights.
ED07-0038-058
An efficient turboprop engine and large fuel capacity enable NASA’s Ikhana aircraft to remain aloft for up to 30 hours on science or technology flights. Six hair-like fibers located on the top surface of the Ikhana’s wings provided about 2,000 strain measurements in real time. The fibers were so small that they had no significant effects on aerodynamic lift and weighed less than two pounds. The fiber optic sensors themselves are so small that they could eventually be embedded within composite wings in future aircraft.
Learn more.March 5, 2007
NASA Photo / Tony Landis