The world's first airplanes took flight in the early 20th century, marking a groundbreaking moment in the history of transportation.

These flying machines enabled people to cover long distances in a fraction of the time it took by car or other means.

Moreover, the relatively low risk of airplane crashes, especially when compared to automobile accidents, cemented aviation as a remarkably safe mode of travel. However, as aviation technology has advanced, one persistent drawback remains noise.

The primary source of noise on an aircraft is undoubtedly the engine and the jet stream it produces. Aircraft engines generate a cacophony of sound that reverberates within and outside the cabin, often disturbing passengers and creating noise pollution for those on the ground.

To mitigate this issue, engineers have developed various noise-reduction techniques. One method involves incorporating soundproofing materials within the aircraft's structure to limit the propagation of engine noise into the passenger area.

The researchers delved into the intricate structure of owl wings, seeking to understand the secrets behind their noiseless flight. By mimicking the unique wing design of owls, they hope to develop quieter aircraft wings that can significantly reduce the noise created by air turbulence during flight. While this research is still in its early stages, the potential benefits for aviation are promising.

In addition to reducing noise pollution, aviation is also on the cusp of transformative technological advancements. One such innovation is ionization propulsion technology.

Ionization propulsion has been employed in space vehicles since the 1960s, but its application on Earth has been hampered by one significant challenge: the thrust generated is insufficient to counteract the weight of the required batteries. However, engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently achieved a breakthrough in this field.

In this novel propulsion system, the aircraft's wings are equipped with two electrodes and wires designed to ionize the surrounding air. By creating a charged environment with positive and negative ions, the aircraft generates an "ionized wind" that serves as the driving force.

During the first test flight, the MIT team employed a small, lightweight aircraft with a wingspan of approximately five meters and covered with wires of varying thicknesses. Lithium batteries stored in the fuselage provided the necessary electrical energy for the process.

The test flight took place inside a gym, where the aircraft successfully flew back and forth ten times over a distance of 45 meters per trip, with each trip taking approximately nine seconds. To facilitate longer outdoor flights and improve the technology's practicality, the research team is focusing on reducing the voltage required to generate the ionized wind and enhancing the thrust generated per unit area.

Steven Barrett, an associate professor in MIT's Department of Aerospace, expressed his optimism, saying, "It's taken a long time to get to this point, from basic theory to realizing the physical design to conducting tests. Now it looks like this propulsion system is feasible."

One of the most significant advantages of this innovative aircraft is its complete absence of noise, making it an ideal candidate for use in drones. The absence of moving parts in this propulsion system grants the aircraft a high degree of flexibility, enabling it to be adapted for various applications, from small-scale drones to large-scale models.

The history of aviation has been a testament to human ingenuity, enabling us to traverse the globe swiftly and safely. However, noise pollution has remained a persistent issue in aviation. Researchers are now drawing inspiration from nature, particularly owls, to develop quieter wing designs.

Additionally, the advancement of ionization propulsion technology, as demonstrated by MIT's recent test flight, holds the promise of silent and environmentally friendly aircraft. These developments mark important milestones in the ongoing quest for quieter and more sustainable air travel.