Thrusters powered by ionic wind may be an efficient
alternative to conventional atmospheric propulsion technologies.
When a current passes between two electrodes — one thinner
than the other — it creates a wind in the air between. If enough voltage is
applied, the resulting wind can produce a thrust without the help of motors or
fuel.
This phenomenon, called electrohydrodynamic thrust — or,
more colloquially, “ionic wind” — was first identified in the 1960s. Since then,
ionic wind has largely been limited to science-fair projects and basement
experiments; hobbyists have posted hundreds of how-to videos on building
“ionocrafts” — lightweight vehicles made of balsa wood, aluminum foil and wire
— that lift off and hover with increased voltage.