Electric Airplanes!

Well, I don't think hydrogen is the answer for all EVs. and I agree the lack of infrastructure is a big problem. The main infrastructure (Grid) already exists for BEVs, and I think, too, is the best solution for cars and other light vehicles on the road.

However, the energy density of hydrogen fuel cells is much better than current BEV technology, so could lend itself better for large transport vehicles (trains, semis, etc), incl aircraft (which are very weight sensitive). But it is all new at this point, so will have to see where it goes. I like that we don't put all our eggs in one basket, though.
 
R P said:
Further to the Harbour Air test flight from last Dec, this latest article reveals that only 15 minutes of flight with 25 minutes reserve is available. Seems they need to increase that a bit more before flights between the Island and Mainland become feasible.
https://copanational.org/en/2020/08...dium=email&utm_campaign=COPA+eFlight-20200820
Still looks like a good application for this new technology with these short haul flights (30 minutes). Hopefully they will soon find a battery that will meet these requirements.
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More progress on the Harbour Air Electric Beaver floatplanes. They are now moving forward with certification.
https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news...,+Bridge+Stunt+Fallout-Monday,+April+26,+2021
 
Interesting article. There are certainly a lot of new aerodynamic designs lately, some of which seem to go against conventional thinking. But when it comes to aircraft development, the testing doesn't always support the theory or exposes other consequential flaws that could not have been foreseen. And when human life is at risk, can't be too careful.

Having said that, significant progress is happening, and will interesting to see some of these new designs move from concept to final production and mass implementation.
 
R P said:
Hybrid airliner. 30% reduction in fuel and emissions. Reminds me of the Prius launch.
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This is a significant development. It is a serial hybrid and not a parallel hybrid which is the way to go. I am skeptical about their 30% claim though. Probably they are counting on regen, otherwise where does the savings come from? In fact it can be less efficient due to electrical losses. Anyone can tell us that regen does not get you 30 % savings. They can have a smaller turbo engine as climbing can be achieved with batteries. But that is extra weight. In terms of fuel consumption reduction, this will be a failure, unless battery technology improves from today's 250 Wh/kg to 400 Wh/kg.
 
R P said:
Hydrogen-electric seems to be the choice for larger aircraft. Makes sense given the high energy density of hydrogen fuel cells as compared to Li Ion batteries, not to mention the fire hazard.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are only 50% efficient and require lots of costly maintenance. Hydrogen is DoA IMO. Future batteries will be the last nail in the coffin.
 
R P said:
Well, they did their test flight this morning, and just in time as it started to rain here by noon and ceiling dropped below minimums. Quite an historic event as it was the world's first commercial e-plane test flight.
https://www.harbourair.com/harbour-...of-worlds-first-commercial-electric-airplane/
Here is the vid. Bit boring,... which was a good thing. Didn't exactly jump off the water, but I assume the pilot (Harbour Air CEO) was extra careful to apply only low power on their first take-off.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qyofxcdy117snp1/AAB_iicioZ6UBVWfEpDvX2e0a/Dec 10 Flight goPro.MP4?dl=0
Looks like they used the same type of prop as in their turbine versions. Which makes sense to start off with. I see the specs of the Max 500 engine are also very similar to the turbine engine.
https://www.magnix.aero/products/

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this morning, as I had some other things I had to attend to. But would be very interested in the battery used, kWh, range etc, and how they intend on charging it.
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First point to point test flight from Richmond to Sidney completed. 72 kms in 24 minutes.
"Harbour Air completed the first point-to-point test flight using its all-electric plane on Thursday, calling the journey from Richmond to Sidney a “historic flight.”
“Take-off was at 0812 with ample reserve power upon landing at 0836.”
Harbour Air has said it hopes to achieve Transport Canada certifications to start carrying passengers by electric seaplane as early as next year.
web1_08.18.2022_eplane-flight_news-1.jpg;w=960

:)
 
Today Air Canada announced a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 Hybrid electric aircraft from Heart Aerospace of Sweden.
Air_Canada_Air_Canada_to_Acquire_30_ES_30_Electric_Regional_Airc.jpg

"It will be capable of carrying 30 passengers seated three across (in a 2X1 configuration).
The aircraft will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, and will be quieter, have better operational parameters, be more reliable, and have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional turbo-prop aircraft. It will also be equipped with reserve-hybrid generators that can use sustainable aviation fuel. Fully loaded, the ES-30 is projected to have an all-electric, zero-emission range of 200 km. This can be extended to 400 km with power supplemented by the generators, and up to 800 km if the load is restricted to 25 passengers. Charging time for the aircraft is expected to be 30-to-50 minutes.
Under the agreement, Air Canada has also acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace.
The revolutionary regional aircraft, expected to enter service in 2028, will generate zero emissions flying on battery power and yield significant operational savings and benefits.":)
Source:
Air Canada to Acquire 30 ES-30 Electric Regional Aircraft from Heart Aerospace (newswire.ca)
 
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