Posted on 12/28/2021 12:47:37 PM PST by Red Badger
Wright Electric, an electric aircraft start-up founded in 2016, announced a new project - the Wright Spirit, which joins the previously announced Wright 1 flagship.
The Wright Spirit is a 100-passenger electric airliner envisioned for one-hour flights, equipped with four, "megawatt-class" motors. The initial design is based on the BAe 146 platform:
"The Wright Spirit aircraft design builds on the BAe 146 platform - a 100 passenger, 4-engine aircraft known for its operation out of noise-sensitive airports."
According to the press release, the prototype will begin flight testing with one electric motor (and, as we understand, three conventional engines), two electric motors in 2024 and as a full-electric aircraft by 2026.
"To develop the integrated propulsion system, Wright has assembled an innovative team of companies with expertise in generation, energy storage and propulsion design. The program now proceeds with on-going ground testing and final selection of the propulsion system. In 2023, the aircraft will begin flight testing with one all-electric propulsor. The development program will then accelerate towards flight testing with two all-electric propulsors by 2024 leading to the full-electric aircraft by 2026. "
Fo reference, the 186-seat Wright 1 is expected to have 10 electric motors (2 MW each) for a total peak output of 20 MW. But it's launch is expected no earlier than in 2030.
The power output is very high. According to Wright Electric, even a small 50-seat ATR-42 would require two 2 MW electric motors.
The company explains that it is in the process of development of 2 MW electric motors (scalable from 500 kW to 4 MW) and inverters with ultra-high efficiency and power density.
"The path was set in early 2020 with Wright’s announcement and development of their megawatt propulsion system for an all-electric commercial aircraft. Throughout the last two years, the company has been proving key components of the system including a high-efficiency, high-power density inverter and a 2 MW (2,700 HP) motor. The existing hydrocarbon-based propulsion system will be replaced with Wright’s all-electric, emissions-free propulsion system."
However, Wright Electric's press release remains silent about the energy source. Such a big aircraft would require an adequately big battery pack. The question is whether the energy density allows to build it with today's technology, and then, whether it will be viable?
Anywhere you want to go.
As long it’s no more than an hour away.
….and no head wind or sudden storm forcing you to circle or forced to another airport for landing. Rather take a hot air balloon.
Yeah but think of all the government grants heading thier way!
91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. (a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed - (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or
(2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.
Commercial Aircraft fly IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) they do not fly VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
I assure before I die my last commercial flight will be burning Jet-A
Already incapable of meeting FAR 25 standards.
It is electric. Rich eggheads from SV will dump tons of money in to the project. That’s all they care about.
Been a long time now, but I still can get a five-alarm screaming headache thinking back on those proposal meetings with the Big Boss and Sales Manager.
This thing is a reminder of some of those "All we have to do is......." sessions. Might even surpass 'em, especially considering that "trivial" problem with the batteries and whateverthell propulsion system they seem to want.
You want Recyclable? You want Environmentally Sensitive? How about I draw up a Skittle-powered Unicorn Fart Ram Jet?
Makes at least as much sense as this bloody fairy tale.
On second thought, tell 'em to go ahead. Leave me out of anything to do with the mess until they run out of time and excuses and I'll come back in with one of my Tiger Teams and pull their butts outta the bonfire.
Won't cost much. Maybe even less than they've already peed away.
(Spit on the ground and walk away)
A Russian 'Bear', and a US B-36 both flew with test reactors. Neither plane was powered by their reactor; both proved that effectively shielding the crews wasn't feasible.
Hunley................
Awesome, thank you for picking up this ping list.
Better carry a case of fuses........................
They’ll simply change the rules; it’s what they do. Your electrical meter showing how much amperage or whatever must be enough to take you to your alternate and then be able to mumble about for an additional 45 mins.
it’s those darn dilithium crystals, sir!
As long it’s no more than an hour away.
But what about range to get to alternative airports? That could easily decrease the range to 30 minutes.
one hour flight?
About the time from Burbank airport to McClaren in Vegas?
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