A birdlike aircraft with no conventional mechanical moving parts is currently in development. The key material of this concept is an ionic polymeric-metal composite (IPMC) with the unique capability of deforming in an electric field and returning to its original shape when the field is removed. Quoted by IEEE Xplore “Combining the IPMC with thin-film batteries and thin-film photovoltaics provides both energy source and storage in the same structure. The characteristics of the materials enables flapping motion of the wing to be utilized to generate the main propulsive force.”
The Solid State Aircraft may be used in the future to explore the surface of other planets. VIDEO LINK
Click Here for the article from IEEE Xplore.
