Originally Posted by
Big Pistons Forever
This is a VHS vs BetaNax argument. It dId not matter that BetaMax was superior technology all that mattered was the industry made a decisive shift to developing VHS machines. Similarly Industry and governments are investing heavily in Battery technology and charging infrastructure. Like I said the ship has sailed and we are not going back except in certain niche areas, which aviation may actually be one with respect to the future of airline aircraft propulsion. I just don’t see that for GA
A problem for larger ‘lectric aircraft is that unlike liquid fuelled ones they don’t “burn off” weight as fuel is used. This will cause design challenges because as we know, larger aircraft can take off at a higher all up weight than at which they can land. Undercarriages will have to be stronger and heavier, reducing payload.
Also, it won’t be possible to trade off fuel uplift for extra performance demands, such as at high density altitudes or short runways.
As always, design is a compromise.