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The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

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Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#21

Post by MBCook »

mmcconnell1618 wrote: post #11

Interesting decision to build the whole aircraft instead of the propulsion system only. I wonder what the decision process was between retrofit of existing turboprop frame vs. build from the ground up? I would expect the level of effort and certification to be much higher building from scratch even though you get complete control.

It may be too hard to do a good retrofit. If you basically have to tear the entire plane apart and rebuild and recertify it to put batteries in the right places, maybe the costs aren’t worth it for potential customers.

I know many planes use their wings as fuel tanks but given the weight of batteries maybe that doesn’t work.

I agree it’s interesting. Not a small undertaking.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#22

Post by chrishare »

pkulak wrote: post #15
ajross wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Can I be the one to make the obligatory train comment? Moving hundreds of people 500 miles in comfort, using only electricity, is also a VERY solved problem.

Trains are great, but they can only go where tracks go. Planes are faster, too, noting that boarding times can dilute that. Trains are perfect for freight and super frequent routes, though.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#23

Post by MBCook »

tristanj wrote: post #13

The interior of the plane is clearly designed by an engineer. They stripped everything down to save weight, passenger comfort be dammed. The seats don't even look comfortable. They need to hire an actual designer, if the plane weighs 0.5% more but has actual human usability that's worth it.

But maybe they’re aiming at short haul cargo. And either way, wouldn’t that really be one of the last things to do? Just proving the plane can even get in the air and stay there for a useful distance on electricity is more important than how comfortable it is.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#24

Post by HolyLampshade »

pkulak wrote: post #15
ajross wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Can I be the one to make the obligatory train comment? Moving hundreds of people 500 miles in comfort, using only electricity, is also a VERY solved problem.

Man, I’d love more trains but we can’t act like the infrastructure necessary to support them, if not present, is very challenging to develop.

Even ignoring land acquisition (which is a big thing to ignore in populated areas where a train would most benefit the population), there are simple things like road crossings, other infrastructure crossing, etc.

In this case an airplane may be simply a lower friction solution.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#25

Post by yoavm »

kooi wrote: post #4

From the video: Range: 125 miles all electric 500 miles with hybrid system (electric + conventional turbo prop)

In the video he explains that the goal of the hybrid system is mainly to be used when for some unexpected reason the airplane cannot land at its original destination.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#26

Post by MBCook »

ajross wrote: post #10
runako wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> 500 miles with hybrid system > the grueling two hour drives What country are you in, and perhaps more importantly, what roads are you driving on?

To repeat: the market is filled with fuel-driven turboprops. This only wins if it's better, and it's only better if it's cheaper. Is it cheaper? If it's cheaper they should say, and not spend time talking about "all electric" range in a regime that doesn't want aircraft at all. And sure, there are places in the world that don't have limited access highways. But the 125 mile range is already served very well by piston…

Island hoppers?

Very few highways between the Hawaiian islands. Or Caribbean. Probably plenty of other places.

There are tons of places in the world with short haul flights today, even if good highways exist.

Every one of those planes is a potential target for replacement.

You’re arguing most short haul flights shouldn’t exist. Maybe do, but they do.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#27

Post by boelboel »

pkulak wrote: post #15
ajross wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Can I be the one to make the obligatory train comment? Moving hundreds of people 500 miles in comfort, using only electricity, is also a VERY solved problem.

It's not about moving hundreds of people, it's about moving 30-100 people. Many places don't have the demand or physical possibility for a railway. If this wasn't the case there wouldn't be so many short distance flights.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#28

Post by 10u152 »

ck2 wrote: post #20

the concept of electric motors with ultimate "any" fuel flexibility for generators is definitely the future then we are not tied to global fuel politics and maybe airports will become far less toxic with leaded fuel finally being completely eliminated (and there is a Ycombinator video channel? never knew)

Agreed, however only fuel for piston engine aircraft is leaded. Not many of them at a large commercial airport. More of a GA issue.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#29

Post by tmtvl »

chrishare wrote: post #22
pkulak wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can I be the one to make the obligatory train comment? Moving hundreds of people 500 miles in comfort, using only electricity, is also a VERY solved problem.

Trains are great, but they can only go where tracks go. Planes are faster, too, noting that boarding times can dilute that. Trains are perfect for freight and super frequent routes, though.

Commercial passenger planes can generally only lift off and on at dedicated facilities, though.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#30

Post by Gibbon1 »

kooi wrote: post #4

From the video: Range: 125 miles all electric 500 miles with hybrid system (electric + conventional turbo prop)

There are maybe some advantages to a hybrid system.

The higher reliability of electric.

Losing an turbine engine doesn't mean asymmetrical thrust. Plane still flies normally.

Losing an engine on takeoff you still have full power.

Electric motors spin up faster than turbines. Which means faster throttle response. Which you need when hit with a wind shear on landing.

Take off and landing under electric power means much less noise.

Efficiency, you can increase the number of props or fans to get a much higher bypass ratio. Worth noting the plane in the video has four props.

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