So about 20 times the biggest wing area that we currently have?
A handegg field is ~5350m2. What fucking plane has a wing top surface that size?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_H-4_Hercules
That’s the largest wing area I can find. And “wing area” refers to the entire surface of the wing, top and bottom. Solar will never cover more than half, and the top wing is slightly less than half when you account for the shape needed for lift. The wing area would be around ~1600m2. And half of that would be 800m2.
That’s ~15% of a football field.
Dasus@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Blimps don’t require speed for lift, mr “pro-engineer”. If you want to cruise in the clouds at a chill pace, you’re gonna need a blimp. I’m not too bothered, to be honest.
keepthepace@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
Ok so scaling blimps up is realistic but planes not, no justification needed. I see, ok, bye.
Dasus@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
“No justification needed”?
Bitch, blimps don’t need speed for lift. They achieve lift through having volume. The more volume you have, the less surface area you have relatively.
This is what I’ve been saying the whole time.
You not understanding that makes you saying you’re a “pro-engineer” exceedingly hilarious. Watch the Veritasium video I linked in the first one and you’ll get at least a basic understanding if you don’t suffer from some severe neurodevelopmental issues.
keepthepace@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
The fact that you assume I don’t understand that basic fact clears that out that this is not a serious discussion. You think “plane, heavy, need fuel” “blimps cool, lighter than air” and work your calculations from there. I am sad I wasted so much time in it.