Why do not airplanes with a steam engine? Prospects for the development of modern aircraft construction

Mankind has always aspired to heaven, and the legend of Icarus is only one of the evidences of that. Only the lack of suitable materials and technologies kept from free flight. Already in the 18th century outstanding scientists proved the impossibility of using aircraft , driven by the muscular power of man. The appearance of working models of steam engines gave enthusiasts hope for the embodiment of man's long-standing dream into life.

The question of why do not do airplanes with a steam engine, is formulated not quite correctly. Rather, it should be asked about why such vehicles did not fly. Attempts to equip the airplanes with the only worker at that time were. So, our compatriot Mozhaysky A.F. Received a patent for the aircraft he invented back in 1881 and built it. The power plant was two English-made steam engines.

He managed to build the plane, but the tests ended in a crash due to the lack of roll compensators. The glider simply fell on the wing and fell to the ground. More successful in the field of construction of aircraft with steam engines were the brothers George and William Besler. In 1933, they were able to lift their biplane into the air with a double-expansion power unit. So still, why do not airplanes with a steam engine?

Modern developments in aircraft building

The refusal to use this type of power units in aircraft construction is due, first of all, to low efficiency. Attempts to increase it lead to such technical and technological problems, the resolution of which reduces all the positive aspects of the steam drive to zero. And he has dignity. For example, the possibility of reverse significantly reduces the length of the run after the landing.

The noise level from such an engine is so low that in flight it is possible to talk in an open cabin without special means. As fuel it is possible to use any combustible substances: alcohol, gas, crude oil, coal and much more. Moreover, to increase the efficiency can be due to the use of ammonia in the role of the working body of the engine.

Back in the late seventies of the last century a group of Soviet engineers led by Makarov Yu.V. The project was developed and embodied in the metal ammonia-steam engine. On tests, he showed decent characteristics, and in the manufacture was much simpler than the internal combustion engine. There is a legitimate question about why do not airplanes with a steam engine.

The answer lies in many planes, starting with the banal unwillingness of seemingly interested departments to implement the invention and ending with a worldwide conspiracy of oil companies that are trying to slow down the development of alternative engine building. Perhaps the depletion of resources on our planet will still cause humanity to come to its senses, and then the question of why do not steam-engine aircraft will cease to be on the agenda.

The development of air transport and the construction of fundamentally new airliners is still rather vague. For a simple person living with a dream of flying, only a radio-controlled airplane is available. This toy will make you feel like a real pilot and conqueror of heaven.