WIth all the development in aerospace propulsion sytems, it is interesting to take a look back sometimes at where the industry came from, and to remind ourselves that novel solutions are not a current thing. Many would say that steam power in an aircraft is counter-intuitive due to heat and power/weight issues. However, the first truly functional steam-powered airplane flew over Oakland California in April of 1933 by the Besler Brothers. Powered by a steam boiler, the airplane was so quiet that people on the ground could hear the pilot yelling down to them.
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