onetrack,
I have to agree somewhat with your comments about purely electric propulsion systems for autos or aircraft. While purely (nuclear) electric propulsion makes sense for large ships and subs, it is not yet practical for cars or aircraft, due to limits with battery technology. The motor technology is ready, but the batteries are still way short of where they need to be.
In my opinion, the whole emissions-free, electric drivetrain argument also doesn't make sense. At least here in the US, where 60% of electricity is produced by burning coal and another 20% is produced by nuke plants. Your "electric" helo is, in reality, coal or nuclear powered.
Regards,
riff_raff
It's comical how no one seems to realize this. People see electricity as clean energy and give no thought what so ever to how it is being produced, Coal power generates 44% of the US's electricity and 39% of its CO2 emissions. natural gas is no where near as dirty but it still creates CO2. Ironically residents who live near coal power plants are exposed to higher radiation levels than those living near nuclear plants as well.