Live data from Hacker News

London-Paris electric flight 'in decade'

bbc.co.uk

161–165 of 165 posts

Re: London-Paris electric flight 'in decade'

#161
post #139
post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A better idea would be to dig oil out of the ground, process it into kerosene, and use that to power jet turbines on the aircraft.

At some point we're going to need to stop doing that, hence the need for alternative ideas.

If the goal is to reduce carbon emissions from aviation then a more viable approach would be to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuel as a biofuel or through artificial synthesis using electrical power from renewable sources. Barring a technology breakthrough, batteries will only be usable for the shortest flights.

Re: London-Paris electric flight 'in decade'

#162
post #122

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Any sensible proposal for electric systems for commercial aircraft is going to aim for batteries to be safely swappable in 10-15 minutes. (Though they can still make delays from unexpected diversions to airports without a stock of batteries worse)

The structural penalties for making "most of the weight of the aircraft" removable will probably lead to a plane that doesn't fly.

... for example, putting the batteries in the existing form-factor of removable cargo containers used in jumbo jets.

Re: London-Paris electric flight 'in decade'

#163

Why not hydrogen? Stuffing a Mirai's guts into a turboprop is a project we could do today. Solves the waiting/hoping for battery technology problem and saves Toyota's $billions invested in r&d from the toilet.

How do you store the hydrogen?

However Toyota stores it. Probably something resembling lab cylinders.

Re: London-Paris electric flight 'in decade'

#164
post #103
post #88

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What you're saying. The only reason to take a plane vs taking a train for this distance is the price. Usually planes are way cheaper. But the hassle of taking a plane is really making it a tough sell as you say.

Train tickets are anywhere between 60 and 300 pounds for this route. The cheapest plane tickets for the same route I've found were 80 pounds and there is no upper limit. I don't see much difference in price to be honest (+ getting to the airport is usually way more expensive).

I paid 60 euro to take Easyjet from Lyon. I would think Paris being closer it is cheaper?
Post reply on HN