Back in October 2019, NASA took delivery of its first electric plane, called the X-57 Maxwell X-Plane. Based on the four-seater Tecnam P2006T conventional light aircraft, when the X-57 electric plane is fully developed, it is expected to be 500% more efficient in high-speed cruising. Also, it will produce no in-flight carbon dioxide emissions while being much quieter than most conventional aircraft.
31
Mar
2020
28
Feb
2020
The aerospace sector wouldn’t exist today without outsourced, precision engineering services and components. While the majority of land vehicles are designed, constructed and tested in-house, the same does not apply to most aircraft.
Considering the number and diversity of aeroplane, spacecraft, satellite and helicopter components, aerospace engineering relies heavily on production chains and outsourced projects. It’s a complex process as each part or component must be designed and built to fit in with the overall plan.
17
Feb
2020
In a world dominated by air travel and global concerns around emissions, engineering innovation needs to be at the forefront. Airbus has done just that as they revealed a new aircraft design that could revolutionise the aviation industry.
16
Dec
2019
A 62-year-old seaplane was transformed into the world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft. The debut flight took place earlier this month over Vancouver. This modified six-seater DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver took off from the Fraser River at Harbour Air Seaplanes terminal in Richmond, British Columbia, just south of the international airport.
Greg McDougall, CEO and founder of Harbour Air Seaplanes, was at the helm taking the electric commercial aircraft on a 15-minute flight. The 750-horsepower magni500 propulsion system was developed by Australian electric motor manufacturer, magniX.
10
Sep
2019
With growing concerns around global warming and the increased usage of sustainable energy resources, hybrid aircraft could play a bigger role in the future. The aerospace sector has undoubtedly made impressive strides since the 1950s in terms of increased power and efficiency of engines. However, more recent studies indicate that engine technology could reach thermodynamic limits.
This means a more reasonable investment in the amount of energy we can extract from carbon-based fuel. More air travel and more aircraft in the sky will lead to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions unless we find a suitable fossil fuel substitute.
26
Aug
2019
A new flying car has been unveiled in Japan by NEC Corp. While it is essentially a drone with four propellers, the company says it will be capable of carrying people. Even though the prototype only hovered for a minute, it did fly and marks another impressive development in the hotly debated area of future transport.
Over the last few years in Japan, a number of small, passionate flying car communities have emerged. They believe that Japan has the engineering knowledge and the right environment to succeed (and lead) a global flying car industry. Venture capitalists in Japan have set up a fund called the ‘Drone Fund’ which is purely for investing purposes into autonomous aircraft and flying car companies.
29
Jul
2019
Image Credit: Airbus
Animals have long-inspired innovative engineering designs as they’ve evolved perfectly, as nature intended. This provides the ideal solution to environmental challenges, something European manufacturer, Airbus, hopes to achieve as they revealed a brand new concept hybrid-electric aircraft.
Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, unveiled the “Bird of Prey” concept at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show last month. At first glance, it is evident that this new hybrid-electric aircraft got its inspiration eagles, hawks and other aerial predators. Airbus revealed this new concept aircraft with the intention of inspiring the next-generation of aeronautical engineers.
28
Jun
2019
Aviation connects the world by continuously transporting people and goods across the globe in no time at all. While it may appear efficient, climate change has become a clear topic of debate in society due to a concern over plane emissions.
Large manufacturers in aerospace and aviation are investing more in sustainability as emission targets are increasing. A bold move by Rolls-Royce buying the electric aerospace arm of Siemens clearly shows this intent. In fact, this acquisition could speed up electrification in the aviation sector.
5
Jun
2019
Image credit: Alaka’i
A flying taxi is once again taking centre stage as Alaka’i Technologies have developed the Skai prototype. It is a hydrogen-powered eVTOL flying taxi with an impressive 400-mile range that can comfortably seat five passengers. What’s more is that they are actually in the process of getting FAA certification which means it could be in our skies sooner than we think.
17
May
2019
Img credit: Faradair
Considered as the world’s first real hybrid airplane, the Faradair BEHA (Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft) is a “triple box-wing design concept”. It’s a clever combination of electric motors and a bio-diesel engine fitted with several energy saving and recovery technologies. This includes solar panels on all flight surfaces and high-lift, low-speed flight capabilities.
The concept was first realised back in 2014 when UK firm, Faradair, proposed a Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft (BEHA). They have now announced that their plans are in place for a small BEHA airliner. The hybrid aircraft could be ready to take flight in 2025 as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly airplanes.
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