logoalt Hacker News

qingcharlesyesterday at 10:58 PM3 repliesview on HN

The energy density doesn't work for now. Everybody hoping for that breakthrough, and battery aircraft are moving into certain sectors (drone delivery, air taxis etc).


Replies

aunty_helenyesterday at 11:07 PM

One of the trade offs is that engines are actually ridiculously heavy. Compact, extreme high power electric motors are starting to be commercialised. But also, fuel burns so you lose weight as you’re flying whereas batteries stay the same.

Electric aviation is interesting but as someone who knows a bit about the industry, biofuels make more sense here.

Lercyesterday at 11:09 PM

Structural batteries were supposed to be the solution where the density wasn't so important. I don't really have a good understanding of the ration of fuel weight to structural weight in existing aircraft though.

show 1 reply
WalterBrightyesterday at 11:44 PM

Jet engine and wing efficiency have increased enormously over the last 50 years.

show 1 reply