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The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

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Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#31

Post by lefra »

lbriner wrote: post #16
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.

Judging by the seats, perhaps making it as light as possible. Existing airframes are relatively light but let's be honest, they aren't trying to save 500g here and there when they have massive jet engines to get everything airborne.

I discussed with people working on aircraft components, and my understanding is that weight is a constant obsession for them. Propose a new system to Airbus/Boeing, and the first question they'll ask is "how much does it weight?"

Every kg saved is a kg more of freight that can be transported (or a little less fuel used to keep the plane in the air); save 500g for each seat of a 200-seat plane, and you can put one more paying passenger in the cabin.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#32

Post by QuantumNoodle »

These kind of startup excite me. More so than the "next killer app" or "look what we shoved AI into."

Cheap electric transportation can finally offset USA's lacking rail commutes and attack Europe's short flight market (which is already cheap). Now we need bigger planes or more frequent planes and the next startup to solve the energy needs.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#33

Post by dmurray »

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.

Really, a prototype airplane, the first of this size ever built with this novel propulsion system, had engineers involved in the design?

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#34

Post by 7952 »

MBCook wrote: post #21
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.

Generally all the weight of the fusaage has to go through the wings anyway so it is structurally more efficient to put weight on the wings in the first place.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#35

Post by Barbing »

7952 wrote: post #34
MBCook wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Generally all the weight of the fusaage has to go through the wings anyway so it is structurally more efficient to put weight on the wings in the first place.

And they do that with fuel?! Neat!

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#36

Post by lotsofpulp »

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.

Can I be the one to make the obligatory land acquisition and permitting comment? Navigating the acquisition of all the land and environmental and other rights via US courts is a VERY unsolved problem.

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#37

Post by newsclues »

Gibbon1 wrote: post #30
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…

I’ve been tinkering with the idea of a hybrid system where the ICE system is its own bolt on component to an electric aircraft that is used for takeoff and altitude before it detaches and returns to the airfield before the aircraft cruiser on electric power. Could even have a rocket launch version for cargo

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#38

Post by jryle70 »

tmtvl wrote: post #29
chrishare wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

So both can coexist? what's the issue? Why does HN waste energy on pointless pissing contests?

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#39

Post by newsclues »

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.

How do you get a train from Vancouver to Victoria on the island?

Re: The largest electric aircraft just flew [video]

#40

Post by [deleted] »

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.

[deleted]
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