Manned flight in AA battery-powered plane

[revv11]

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese students succeeded on Sunday in making a manned flight in a plane powered only by household batteries.

http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jh...log/GetContent

[Empath]

With 160 cells, I don't really see the challenge.

Now, if they make it rubber band powered, that'll really be newsworthy.

[zulu45]

That's awesome... perhaps it's a taste of things to come in the future. Although I'd rather see E85 become more widespread in the US for now... better than the dependancy on oil, with major monitary linings for the pockets of... well, lets not get into that.

[cqbdude]

Hope they dont use AA Lithiums...

[chesterqw]

lol... they should use li ions cells!! the 18650 size is good

[schrenz]

In the future you may bring your own AAs with you to get a flight......

[pyro]

I wonder if they used alkalines or NiMH cells.
With one minute flight time the alkalines would be extremely stressed,
Even the rechargeables dont deliver their contained energy that fast.

[nekomane]

They used Panasonic OXYRIDE AAs...
http://oxyride.jp/top.html

Here's a 2 seater automobile which runs on the equvelant of a minimag, 2AAs.
Doesn't look too fast tho
http://national.jp/product/conveni/b...e/vehicle.html