New: Electric Aircraft

That's certainly an interesting idea! Much better for the environment as well. It would be kind of cool if someday, after they have researched these electric airplanes enough and are confident that they function well, they could implement this for regular use, if possible that is.
Pretty cool! :)
 
He is a pioneer of sorts risking his life on a battery operated plane. I just dont see a future for it unless they develop batteries somehow that can carry hundreds of people over long distances. I mean these batteries would have to weigh ounces and hold incredible charges over long distances to carry crew and cargo. Other wise it becomes more of a hobby for a few to see who can stay in the air for the longest minutes. And I know we have been through this before but it doesnt help the environment if your using the outlet to charge it up anymore then a gas plane until you convert power plants over to nuclear or something as efficient as nuclear. Otherwise your just wasting your time with this kind of tech when you could be working on such things as hydrogen.
 
ssvs04 said:
He is a pioneer of sorts risking his life on a battery operated plane.
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Have you read the linked-to article at all?

The plane is a prototypical research object of EADS, which is the largest corporation of pan-European aerospace and defense industries.

As the article stated, the plane will probably be used as unmanned drones (UAVs) manufactured in series. The prototype is good enough to hold the plane in the air for 30 minutes, which is sufficient for most military applications.

The article also stated that knowledge gained from the project will be used in hybrid military helicopters (hybrid electrical / combustion engine).

Experience from such developments can and will be used for civil air travel as well, one day, that's for sure.

Battery improvements are always being worked on. Especially in the US, there are projects for high-yield, fast-charge batteries, and even nuclear batteries. In some years, the battery problem will simply disappear.
 
Monster said:
Have you read the linked-to article at all?

The plane is a prototypical research object of EADS, which is the largest corporation of pan-European aerospace and defense industries.

As the article stated, the plane will probably be used as unmanned drones (UAVs) manufactured in series. The prototype is good enough to hold the plane in the air for 30 minutes, which is sufficient for most military applications.

The article also stated that knowledge gained from the project will be used in hybrid military helicopters (hybrid electrical / combustion engine).

Experience from such developments can and will be used for civil air travel as well, one day, that's for sure.

Battery improvements are always being worked on. Especially in the US, there are projects for high-yield, fast-charge batteries, and even nuclear batteries. In some years, the battery problem will simply disappear.
Click to expand...

Yes I read the article. Maybe it will improve to better things. Nuclear planes im not sure I like that idea. But its a long way from being able to use for military applications. The new drones are much larger, faster and completely stealth.
p320162010-4.jpg


They would have to hold armament hidden inside the plane and cameras, senors, etc. They fly for hours seeking out their possible targets. Sorry I just see this kind tech a step backwards instead of forward with all the other possibilities out their.
 
ssvs04 said:
They would have to hold armament hidden inside the plane and cameras, senors, etc.
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Do you think that this electric plane cannot carry any payload??

Sans the pilot the plane's payload must be at least 100 kg, which is enough for some conventional explosives or reconnaissance equipment.

Again, it's EADS we're talking about. This means Airbus, for instance.

You've posted a picture of a Boeing drone ... now imagine a similar thing, electrified, from Airbus. That's what "prototype" means ... you're building something to test an idea, and if it works, you improve on the concept.

ssvs04 said:
They fly for hours seeking out their possible targets.
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That depends on the intended target area. Even the limited-feature prototype can cruise at 110 km/h for 30 minutes. For drones that are not operated out of aircraft carriers, like on or near battlefields, for instance, that range might be entirely sufficient.

Not to mention the civil uses for drones, like reconnaissance over disaster areas, etc.

ssvs04 said:
Sorry I just see this kind tech a step backwards instead of forward with all the other possibilities out their.
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Electric drones are just ONE possibility out of many, and I'm glad they're being made, b/c in the end it could benefit civil air travel.
 
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