AirLander take off then 2nd Flight Mishap

[RealUlli]

Originally Posted by olandese_volante

In other news, NASA is currently building a prototype electric fixed-wing aircraft, the goal being to achieve at least one hour of flying time and a range of about 100 miles on batteries alone.

(SLF again, slightly drunk at this time of day)

I don't know about the NASA prototype, but I have the nagging feeling this is a solved problem.

An Echo-class aircraft probably can carry the mass of the Tesla power train. I have no exact numbers, but I guess 400kg just batteries and associated electronics. An echo-class GA aircraft usually has an engine in the 150-200 hp range, quite a bit less than the Tesla. I've been told the Tesla can cruise at high power (German Autobahn) for nearly an hour. *thinks* latest battery version @100kWh should deliver nearly 75% power to an Echo-Class aircraft for an hour...

Now, imagine an aircraft as efficient as the SEA Risen (ok, as LSA, it won't nearly carry that battery pack)... maybe the Pipistrel Panthera... (Pipistrel Panthera - Plane & Pilot Magazine)... it should work.

I don't claim we have electric flight yet, but we're friggin' close...