Electric Airplanes!

Discussion in 'Other EVs' started by Domenick, Nov 21, 2017.

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  1. Hmm, yeah, just saw that. And darn, as I can't make it that early in the morning, could maybe do it a bit later. I see there might be fog in the morning there, so could still be postponed. Showers forecast for the afternoon. So will just have to wait and see. Here's hoping it will be postponed.
     
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  3. 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-air-and-magnix-announce-successful-flight-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%2010%20Flight%20goPro.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.
     
    electriceddy likes this.
  4. Glad the first flight went as expected, eventually possibly they could use something like this with super-packs aboard and long extension cords
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tanker_aircraft#/media/File:planes_in_Russian_Parad_2010_p8.jpg
    :D
     
    R P likes this.
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  6. Yup. I envision a lot of energy storage and co-located solar. The airport here in Tallahassee, actually, is where the municipality utility's solar array is located.
    40 megawatts when the 2nd half is completed (soon).

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Cypress

    Cypress Active Member

    PNW
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  9. R P likes this.
  10. World's first certified electric airplane.
    https://copanational.org/en/2020/07/09/worlds-first-type-certificate-for-electric-airplane-issued/?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=COPA%20eFlight-20200709
    Should make a good trainer, where range is not so important. And beats burning leaded avgas as in the current 150 trainers.

    I can see where batteries will continue to improve so that more range can be offered. Also small electric floatplanes would be better for going into high small alpine lakes as they would not lose power due to high density altitudes. And not too mention no emissions in pristine wilderness locations.
     
    Domenick and electriceddy like this.
  11. Looks like an excellent aircraft. As we keep moving in the right direction, more manufactures should expand and hopefully accomplish on a larger scale the no emissions (and reduced noise) floatplane in those wild areas.
     
  12. Well, actually, most of the noise you hear from an airplane is actually the propeller. But the good news is, it only lasts for about 30 seconds as the floatplane leaves the lake.

    But an electric trainer is a big step forward. Most of the planes flying you see at these small airports now are training flights, and they could be replaced with electric. Most training flights are only 1 hour.
     
  13. I wasn't aware of that, I always thought the huge sound was the engine as they took off, but thanks for the info:)
     
  14. Go down to a floatplane base, and watch a few planes take off. You will hear a very loud high pitched rapping sound as they reach full throttle which will last until they climb out and throttle back for cruise. That noise is created as the propeller tips reach near the speed of sound.

    www.faegre.org › files › AF-seaplane-noise-2002
    PDF
    Dec 15, 1995 - The majority of the noise coming from a propeller aircraft is created at the tips of the propeller; there is not much coming from the exhaust pipe. ... Finally, a 10% increase in distance between the seaplane and the noise sensitive source results in a decrease in the sound level received by 1.0 dBA
     
  15. interestedinEV

    interestedinEV Well-Known Member

    Seminar on Electric Airplanes, free registration

    http://pages.eaa.org/WBN2020-07-24TheFutureofElectricFlight_LP-Registration.html

    The Future of Electric Flight
    Fri, Jul 24, 2020 12 - 1:15 p.m. CDT


    Presenter: Dr. Anita Sengupta

    An overview of electric aerial mobility including aircraft designs, configurations, the latest technology challenges and advances to aircraft certification.

    By clicking the button, you submit your information to the forum organizer, who will use it to communicate with you regarding EAA Forums.
     
  16. I keep on hearing about Lithium Sulfur batteries. I don't think this is one of the numerous marginal and hyped up improvements to lithium ion that never see the light of day. It promises 100% energy density increase, very high power capacity, and decent cycle life - about 1000.

    If this thing is real, it will revolutionize aviation. Any opinions on how real this is?
     

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