Important Innovations

  Electric Sea Gliders                                                  Source:  REGENT REGENT & Hawaiin Airlines Partner on New Type of E-Plane A fascinating new form of aviation technology is being developed.  Boston-based REGENT (which stands for Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport) has developed a new type of electric aircraft that flies just above the surface of the water. Now, Hawaiian airlines is partnering with and investing in REGENT, which was founded by two MIT trained engineers with significant, real world, aviation and aerospace experience.  Hawaiian Airlines expects to deploy the all-electric powered, next generation, sea glider planes for inter-island travel.  This is a brand-new form of zero emissions flying.  In fact, it is a brand-new category in the commercial aviation market as it operates exclusively over water. Island Hopping Itineraries Hawaiian Airlines planes to deploy the highly advanced planes for island hoping, such as between the heavily

  Test Flights for the X-57 Maxwell Start in June                                                                                     Source:  NASA NASA's Chases Zero Emissions Aviation A big part of the future of flying will be electric planes with zero emissions green flights, no inflight carbon emissions and much quieter aircraft.  This is a future that NASA is betting on.  NASA's electric, experimental X-plane, the X-57 Maxwell electric plane, will begin test flights in June. The vehicle has an electric propulsion system that makes flying cleaner, quieter and more sustainable.  The X-57 is a key component of NASA's X-planes series, which also includes a super-quiet, supersonic electric passenger jet, the X-59 QueSST, which is next in line for test flights after X-57 in NASA's fascinating X series of experimental aircraft for use on Earth not in space, yet. Tech Specs The X-57 is an Italian Tecnam P2006T that was converted to an electric plane by replacing its petrol

  New NASA e-Plane May Fly This Year                                                                                                Source:  NASA Green Skies with the X-57 Maxwell NASA is spearheading a major transformation of the airline industry to electric power.  NASA's experimental plane, the X-57 Maxwell, is powered solely by electricity.  Maxwell is a member of NASA's distinguished tradition of X Planes, which are experimental. NASA expects to fly it this year to prove that Maxwell's unique electric technology works.  NASA converted a gas powered Italian Tecnam P2006T into the electric powered Maxwell.  The e-plane is a two-seater.  First flight is expected in late summer 2022. Unique Aviation Technology According to NASA, the aircraft's unique electric propulsion system allows the aircraft designers to develop new functionalities and much greater efficiency for the new plane.  Maxwell has no fuel tanks.  It uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the el

  New NASA e-Plane May Fly This Year                                                        Source:  NASA Green Skies with the X-57 Maxwell NASA is spearheading a major transformation of the airline industry to electric power.  NASA's experimental plane, the X-57 Maxwell, is powered solely by electricity.  Maxwell is a member of NASA's distinguished tradition of X Planes, which are experimental. NASA expects to fly it this year to prove that Maxwell's unique electric technology works.  NASA converted a gas powered Italian Tecnam P2006T into the electric powered Maxwell.  The e-plane is a two-seater.  First flight is expected in late summer 2022. Unique Aviation Technology According to NASA, the aircraft's unique electric propulsion system allows the aircraft designers to develop new functionalities and much greater efficiency for the new plane.  Maxwell has no fuel tanks.  It uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the electric motors and propellers.  The vehic

  British Company Launching Dual Electric Plane Efforts                                             Source:  Rolls Royce Rolls Royce Seeks Leadership Role in Urban Air Mobility UK-based aerospace and aviation engine company Rolls Royce is launching major initiatives to move forward and dominate the global electric aviation industry.  The company says by 2025 it expects to deploy an electric plane capable of flying 6 to 8 passengers as much as 80 nautical miles.  The e-plane will be the first commercial application for its P-Volt.  That's a battery electric system with 600 kilowatt hours of power that can be used in regional commuter e-planes or eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff & landing) vehicles. Rolls Royce believes that in the next 3 to 5 years, urban air mobility and regional air mobility with electric vehicles will begin to flourish. It also believes that with battery technology innovations, the range of e-planes will rapidly expand. World Electric Speed Record Rolls Royce

  Eviation's Zero Emissions, Quiet Commuting/Business E-Plane                                                  Source: Eviation Getting Ready to Take-off Israel's electric aviation startup Eviation continues the development of what is expected to be a breakthrough all-electric passenger plane, Alice. Alice isn't on a drawing board.  The e-plane has 92 orders from regional US air carrier Cape Air that serves primarily the Northeast US, logistical giant DHL Express for a dozen aircraft and others.  Eviation expects to deliver its first aircrafts to first buyer Cape Air. The introduction to the market will be in 2023.  This is electric aviation to watch as the e-planes taxis for takeoff. Eviation also has operations in Seattle, Washington. Alice   Alice was first unveiled as a concept in 2018 and it has undergone a series of big upgrades.  The latest is the cabin which is posh and fits right into the category of executive business travel.  There are panoramic windows, a wide p

  The Spirit of Innovation Successfully Flies                                                   Source: Rolls-Royce Jet Zero Emissions Flying Rolls-Royce has successfully flight tested an all-electric plane that recently completed its 15 minute maiden voyage.  The aircraft is called "The Spirit of Innovation" and it is a key piece of technology in Rolls-Royce's journey to "jet zero" otherwise known as zero emissions flying.  Global jet travel is one of the greatest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the primary cause of Climate Change.  The World Wildlife Federation claims that flying is the most polluting form of human activity.  It is becoming increasingly clear that electric aircraft are a critical weapon in global efforts to save the environment from the ravages of Climate Change. More Intensive Testing For Spirit of Innovation UK based Rolls-Royce is very pleased with the electric plane's performance and is putting it through very intensive f

NASA Contracts with Electra Aero to Develop   Ultra Short Takeoff Plane                                                       Source:  Electra Aero NASA Invests in Electric Plane for Greener Skies Northern Virginia based aviation company Electra Aero, that specializes in ultra-short, electric takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, has been partnering with the US Air Force for a few months.  Their highly innovative aviation technology has now caught the attention of NASA, which has jumped onboard to further develop this cutting edge air travel technology by investing in its development. Brand New Technologies Based on hybrid-electric propulsion, Electra Aero has invented an innovative, electric, very short vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. The aircraft's blown lift technology is the standout. It is an advanced aerodynamic technique allowing the aircraft to takeoff and land within 150 feet of its location, at a fraction of the power needed by an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff &a

  Spirit of Innovation E-Plane Hopes to Set World Speed Record                              Source:  Rolls-Royce Spirit of Innovation Zero Emissions, Fast Flying UK based Rolls-Royce is determined to manufacture and fly the world's fastest electric plane.  It plans to test fly its prototype "Spirit of Innovation" in the spring of 2021. The electric plane is a small, propeller test aircraft powered by a powerful battery pack.  Spirit of Innovation has recently been tested for taxi-ing and accelerating on a runway at a test site in the UK.  The plane propelled itself forward with power from its highly advanced battery and propulsion system that is said to be groundbreaking electrical technology. The battery pack consists of 6,000 cells.  Rolls-Royce says that is the most energy dense battery pack ever integrated into an aircraft. Tech Specs The e-plane has a 400 kW electric powertrain.  When combined with the battery system, it can hit speeds of 300 mph.  The current electr

  Global Development of Commuter Electric Planes Source:  Eviation's Alice US, UK, Israel Global Epicenters of E-Plane R&D One of the hottest new areas under development for the future of travel is electric and hybrid electric aircraft.  Major centers of electric plane innovation include Israel, the US and the United Kingdom.  In the UK, a startup aviation company Faradair plans to deploy a fleet of 300 electric planes by 2030.  The planes can carry 18 passengers.  They are tri-planes driven by propellers that are powered by electricity.  Faradair just contracted with Seattle, Washington based MagniX to provide electric motors for the fleet. MagniX Washington based MagniX is an up and coming player in the electric aviation industry.  It has a deal with Sidney Seaplanes in Australia to retrofit a 9 passenger Cessna with battery powered electric motors and is also retrofitting a 40 passenger de Havilland Dash 8Q-300 with two electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells.  At thi

Zero Emissions Aircraft Source:  ZeroAvia's hydrogen powered electric plane Carbon Free, Sustainable Flying ZeroAvia, headquartered in Hollister, CA, is building aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells.  It recently flew a modified aircraft with a 350 horsepower powertrain, driven by hydrogen fuel cells.  The US company is part of the UK's HyFlyer initiative which is targeted at moving electric aircraft away from batteries toward fuel cells. Hydrogen Flights ZeroAvia argues that hydrogen fuel cells are highly effective and efficient for electric planes.  They are far lighter and less volatile than batteries.  In fact the ignition point for hydrogen is much higher than for jet fuel or lithium-ion batteries.  Because hydrogen is so light, it tends to disperse rather than collect.  Most importantly an electric powertrain powered by hydrogen fuel cells is twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine. Hydrogen's Future The current drag on the use of hydroge

All-Electric Cesna Grand Caravan Takes Flight Source:  MagniX Retrofitted, Electric Cessna Commuter Plane A Cessna commuter plane, retrofitted to be all electric powered, has been successfully test flown in Washington state.  It is the biggest electric plane now flying.  It's the invention of electric motor maker MagniX of Redmond, Washington and flight testing contractor AeroTEC.  They converted a 9 passenger, single engine Cessna 208B Grand Caravan into an electric plane that flies on battery power. "Electric Flight Is Here" In its test flight, the Cessna Grand Caravan flew for 30 minutes and made a picture perfect landing.  AeroTEC CEO Lee Human says the demonstration proves "electric flight is here today." The two companies hope to have FAA approval of their all electric aircraft by late 2021 in order to begin commercial operations. Proof of e-Flying The flight of this electric plane establishes several aviation milestones.  It is proof that gre

Prototype Helipad and Base Source:  BART Technologies Empowering Electric Flying Burlington, Vermont based BETA Technologies is developing an electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It also has invented a fascinating piece of infrastructure for the future of flying air taxis, flying cars, drones and electric planes.  It's a prototype helipad and rapid recharge station. The design of the structure is modular and the concept is unique. Burlington International Airport A prototype structure has been built at Burlington International Airport.  It can recharge a 6-seat electric passenger plane,  which is what BETA is building, in an hour.  The structure offers lounges and other accomodations for the crew and can also serve as a way station for medical and other supplies during an emergency. Green Power BETA uses a combination of  electric power and solar charging to recharge the electric f

VoltAero E-Plane Takes Off Source:  VoltAero Future of Green Flying France-based VoltAero is testing its advanced Cassio electric plane with smart electric motors from Safran.  The new e-aircraft is also a hybrid that can fly on biofuel.  It's the creation of aviation industry heavyweights:  former Airbus executive Jean Botti and test pilot Didier Esteyne. So far, they have successfully test flown the plane with two new, Safran smart electric motors mounted on the wings.  Cassio is a 9-seater and has one propeller operating at  the rear of the vehicle. E-Plane Businesses Cassio is designed for private owners, air charter and air taxi operations, regional point-to-point commercial flights and other business uses such as corporate travel.  VoltAero is going to offer the Cassio in three versions.  An all-electric model with four seats and a range of 110 nautical miles.  A light hybrid model with six seats and a range up to 320 nautical miles.  And, a full hybrid with nine s

Turning Air Friction into Electrical Energy For Electric Planes Source:  The Eather One Electric Plane Concept Green, Clean Flying A new electric aircraft concept, named The Eather One, is powered by pure air.  Specifically, stratospheric air friction to create electric energy to fly the plane.  The air friction can be seen in action behind a high flying jet that leaves a plume of white smoke across the sky in its wake.  The plume holds for quite some time because there is very little air circulation in the stratosphere.  When a high speed aircraft cuts through the higher atmosphere, it generates tremendous air friction and vibrations.  Tapping into that tremendous source of energy is the concept behind Eather One that future aircraft may capitalize on. Electric Flying with Nanogenerators on the Wings The concept plane is equipped with triboelectric nanogenerators on its wings and across the top of the aircraft. The  nanogenerators capture the turbulent air f