This beautiful floating object isn’t quite a kite or balloon, but rather a flying demonstration of a completely new method of moving through the air. As opposed to rotational or linear propulsion, this floating band moves through the air by inversion-driven propulsion. Basically, it turns itself inside out to generate thrust.
It’s comprised of six helium-filled prisms that follow specifications laid out by mathematician Paul Schatz. The prisms are connected with motors that drive the band’s hypnotic motion. This type of propulsion doesn’t have a commercial application at the moment, but when something flies this elegantly, does it need to? [NewScientist]
