---
title: Ion-Propelled Aircraft
type: technology
url: "https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/ion-propelled-aircraft"
hub: altitude
summary: Aircraft propelled by ion wind instead of engines or propellers
---

# Ion-Propelled Aircraft

Aircraft propelled by ion wind instead of engines or propellers
- Technology Readiness Level: 4/9
- Impact: 4/5
- Investment: 3/5
Ion-propelled aircraft use electrohydrodynamic (EHD) thrust—ion wind—for propulsion. Research, development, prototypes. Benefits: silent, no moving parts. Challenges include thrust density and scaling. Applications: efficient propulsion in air.

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Source: Envisioning — Technology Research Institute (https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/ion-propelled-aircraft)