Skylab Steam Propulsion – Design Overview

The heart of Skylab’s next evolution is steam. Not coal-fired steampunk fantasy — but modern, clean, superheated electric steam. This isn’t just engineering, it’s storytelling: proving a regenerative system can power real aircraft. Gen 1 begins with exhaust-to-atmosphere. Gen 2 reclaims. Gen 3 bypasses reclaim to deliver peak thrust when needed. Simplicity, then elegance, then mastery.

Propulsion Concept Series

Gen 1 Steam Design

Gen 1 – Open Loop Simplicity

Design Ethos: Build fast. Teach openly. Prove it flies.

  • Original Engines: Wright R‑1820 (x2)
  • Dry Weight: ~2,600–2,760 lb total
  • Wet Weight: ~3,000–3,200 lb incl. oil/fuel
  • Why the Shift?: Radials are heavy, oily, noisy — great in their day, but our mission needed flexibility and low-alt performance. Steam offers a smoother torque curve, easier education interface, and a bold platform for innovation.
  • Gen 1 Steam Dry Weight: ~800–1,000 lb (turbine + shaft + gearbox)
  • Gen 1 Wet Weight: ~1,600–2,000 lb incl. water + plumbing
  • Water Tanks: 4× Aluminum Reservoirs (37.5 L each)
  • Tank Placement: Inboard wing bays near main spar — serviceable and balanced
  • Cycle: Open Steam Exhaust — atmospheric venting
  • Boiler: Remote Reservoir + Local Superheat Injector
  • Use Case: STEM joyrides, coastal ops, thermal mapping
  • Reference Tech: Steam Turbine – Wikipedia
Gen 2 Steam Design

Gen 2 – Reclaim and Recirculate - Optional Bypass

Design Ethos: Flight efficiency through thermodynamic reuse.

  • Cycle: Closed-Loop Steam Reclaim
  • Condensers: Wing-mounted radiators
  • Flight Profile: Extended range, higher altitudes
  • Example Unit: Rankine Cycle Systems
Gen 3 Steam Design

Skylab Mk II – New Airframe

Design Ethos: Keep as much geometry from the Mk. I Skylab, build a fresh, modern airframe.

  • Power: Steam Electric
  • Advantage: Weight reduction, modern materials and maintenance
  • Flight Role: Endurance over speed.
Efficiency Through Time

Efficiency Through Time

Traditional efficiency metrics often overlook the dimension of time. By embracing slower processes and combining simple systems, we achieve unprecedented net efficiency.

Water Harvesting

Sip water directly from the environment where the aircraft operates

Solar Thermal

Use solar panels to heat harvested water for propulsion

Extended Flight Cycles

Fly moderate distances, land, and replenish resources naturally

System Synergy

Combine mechatronic controls with thermodynamic processes

Sustainable Flight Cycle:

1
Water Harvest
2
Solar Heat
3
Flight
4
Repeat

By stretching time and leveraging environmental resources, we maximize net efficiency without complex systems.

Project Skylab – Steam Drive Systems

Fire, Pressure, Flight. Reclaimed for a new generation.