Is Bell testing a multi-fenestron?

[CTR]

Have our expectations for new technologies become unrealistic?

Have our expectations for new technologies become unrealistic?

Bell has just flown the worlds first electric distributed fan anti torque system. This was not achieved on some unmanned drone, or a tiny ultralight helicopter. Test flights completed so far were not limited to just hovering or flights from a remote desert.

The Bell 429 EDAT is a full size piloted twin engine helicopter. Flights took place from a commercial airport and over populated areas. This remarkable achievement required full consideration in the design of pilot safety, surrounding population safety, and Transport Canada (Canuck FAA).

Have we become so used to seeing computer-generated graphics and small unmanned drones of unrealistic electric aircraft that many people now cannot appreciate a real advancement in aviation?

Of course EDAT is nowhere near ready for a production helicopter application. But what Bell has achieved should be congratulated and not dismissed. Especially at such a early stage of technology development.

Kudos to the Canucks!!!