skylor
Well Known Member
And somebody remind me again why we use helium instead of hydrogen in blimps even though hydrogen is much cheaper and more buoyant?
Skylor
Last edited:
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MagniX proposes Electric RV-10
- Thread starter EdH
- Start date
And somebody remind me again why we use helium instead of hydrogen in blimps even though hydrogen is much cheaper and more buoyant?
Skylor
I’ve enjoyed reading this really interesting discussion. Some great points have been made.
I may have overlooked it but I didn’t see anyone mention the benefits gasoline (or jet fuel) powered airplanes get from losing weight as they fly. Obviously this is helpful but in ways perhaps not so obvious. Fuel burn decreases with every pound burned and the airframe itself only needs to be built strong enough (think of less weight) for the max landing weight certified. The takeoff roll and lift off exerts much less forces on the airframe than what is needed to handle landings. As far as I understand, all battery tech weighs the same throughout the flight including landing with the slight exception of hydrogen fueled battery / generators. Electric airplanes need to be built beefier to land at the same weight they departed with.
It’s not so obvious in our EAB,s but it’s a huge factor in the long haul planes I’m familiar with. I’m also sure most of us can relate to the performance increase we see and feel when we fly lightly loaded. Think of this as a little example of the benefit an electric airplane would never have. (Flying with 20% fuel vs 20% battery charge)
There are many potential benefits, maintenance cost savings, possible reliability increases etc but I don’t see the tech reaching the point of practicality in my lifetime. Possibly in my children’s lifetime.
I wish them luck!
I may have overlooked it but I didn’t see anyone mention the benefits gasoline (or jet fuel) powered airplanes get from losing weight as they fly. Obviously this is helpful but in ways perhaps not so obvious. Fuel burn decreases with every pound burned and the airframe itself only needs to be built strong enough (think of less weight) for the max landing weight certified. The takeoff roll and lift off exerts much less forces on the airframe than what is needed to handle landings. As far as I understand, all battery tech weighs the same throughout the flight including landing with the slight exception of hydrogen fueled battery / generators. Electric airplanes need to be built beefier to land at the same weight they departed with.
It’s not so obvious in our EAB,s but it’s a huge factor in the long haul planes I’m familiar with. I’m also sure most of us can relate to the performance increase we see and feel when we fly lightly loaded. Think of this as a little example of the benefit an electric airplane would never have. (Flying with 20% fuel vs 20% battery charge)
There are many potential benefits, maintenance cost savings, possible reliability increases etc but I don’t see the tech reaching the point of practicality in my lifetime. Possibly in my children’s lifetime.
I wish them luck!
That's what people said about early EV (automobiles). Gotta start somewhere. First, training flights; later cross-country. It will happen. Someone has to take the first steps. (And some day fuel will be $100/gallon and even a shorter, cheap flight might be attractive to some.)
