airplane propelled by ion thruster, how the heck does that work?

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I read recently about an airplane that is powered by ion flow which apparently creates a forward thrust airflow which creates lift in the wings.

https://www.unilad.co.uk/technology/scientists-have-created-a-plane-that-flies-using-ion-thrusters-and-no-fuel/

No moving parts involved, no fuel, no propeller, no engine.

It is fueled by ions pulled from nitrogen in air .

This technology is confusing to me as I am a non-scientist. Although I am 5 I have the intellectual prowess of a 12 year old.

Is this thrust generation analogous to those old Sharper Image Ionic Breeze air filters which created a small air flow without any moving parts?

And I assume although there is no fuel there must be A battery or solar cell to create electric current?

In: Technology

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Anonymous 0 Comments

>No moving parts involved, no fuel, no propeller, no engine.

>It is fueled by ions pulled from nitrogen in air .

Your mistaken there. Ion engine’s naturally use fuel. Namely electricity. And xenon gas in space usually.

Basically, you accelerate ions down a magnetic tube spending electricity, that makes them go very very fast.
Its like any regular jet or rocket engine, throw something out the back = thrust

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