China Tested a Plasma Engine on High-Altitude Drones. What Chinese Scientists Managed to Do

Recent wind tunnel tests by Chinese researchers have highlighted significant progress in the application of plasma excitation technology, an innovation that could transform the aerodynamic performance of high-altitude drones.

High altitude drones and long range drones (known as HALE) are indispensable tools for both military and civilian missions. Whether for surveillance, reconnaissance or disaster assistance, their ability to stay in the air for tens of hours is essential. However, operating at more than 10,000 meters high means facing a constant enemy: the rared air. At that altitude, the density of the air is so low that the flow on the wings is drastically reduc…