Originally Posted by
27/09
Just had a quick look at the Karem link.
Could someone explain to this dumb pilot how an engine failure on take off/landing would be managed, or how easily the asymmetric thrust would be countered in the cruise. The thrust lines are a long way from the longitudinal axis.
Folks,
Just, for a moment, forget all the Uber uberhype, and the abysmal ignorance of the media in general, one thing is true.
There are some quite remarkable devices now flying --- distributed power with small electric motors has some fascinating aerodynamic/design possibilities ---- and with each "prop" powered by a "double engine" , and " you name it" number of props, how good is your imagination. The engine failure risk metrics look really good.
Think --- it is not even necessarily a "battery" thing, but can be a hybrid, with a (just say) a hydrogen (ammonia fuel cell -- think UNSW/CIRO) powered motor driving one or more generators plus just battery reserve---- that is what distributed power, in this instance, means.
In my lifetime --- who knows, but I hope so, some of the way out prototypes are flying, right now.
Even Boeing has postulated a distributed power "turboprop", with the "turbo" part buried in the fuselage running generators.
Tootle pip!!
PS: I do have to be careful that a particularly powerful permanent magnet motor, that I have (~ 0.5 HP, weighs ~ 500gms) , with the magnet made of quite exotic material --- doesn't get too close to my pacemaker.