In a recently published journal paper on MDPI Aerospace, the IPROP team at DAER-PoliMi has presented a design methodology for including ion-plasma thrusters on large stratospheric airships. Among the features of this technique is an accurate employment of the performance indices of ion-thrusters, under study within the project.
The lack of moving parts promises an increase in TBO, and a reduced proneness to faults. A good maneuverability should be achievable by the positioning of the thrusters in a distributed fashion. All such characteristics are relevant for a complex high-altitude autonomous platform.
The outcome of this challenging preliminary design exercise provides a detailed insight in the most promising characteristics of this propulsion technique, and through sensitivity analyses, it allows to pinpoint the most relevant directions worth further investigation.
For more information on full article, visit MDPI journal at: https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/7/590