Today is not 2 April, but there was a piece last night on the Beeb which referred to electric powered commercial aircraft within the next few years. Is the energy density of batteries sufficient?
The energy density is not sufficient for long flights.
I do however see a future for battery aircraft for "short hop" flights such as those connecting small islands.
I also expect to see unmanned electric aircraft, much larger than todays drones, for delivering mail and light freight to remote locations. Possibly human controlled, but with the pilot sitting in an office rather than being on board.
The range of electric aircraft could be improved by use of a long trailing lead for take off. High temperature 2.5mm flex could in the short term carry 60 amps at 1000 volts. 60 Kw from the mains during the energy intensive take off would preserve battery power.
The energy density is not sufficient for long flights.
I do however see a future for battery aircraft for "short hop" flights such as those connecting small islands.
I also expect to see unmanned electric aircraft, much larger than todays drones, for delivering mail and light freight to remote locations. Possibly human controlled, but with the pilot sitting in an office rather than being on board.
The range of electric aircraft could be improved by use of a long trailing lead for take off. High temperature 2.5mm flex could in the short term carry 60 amps at 1000 volts. 60 Kw from the mains during the energy intensive take off would preserve battery power.
