As experts combine the likes of advanced technology with the need to save the planet, electric motors have become a huge success. We first saw them take off in cars, then bikes, then trains, and now, with thanks to NASA, we’re about to see electric planes become a reality too.
NASA, never one to do things by halves, has just committed to over $43 million towards developing electric planes. Their 10-year plan involves designing and building the aircraft good enough to be sold commercially within the next decade. The first plane being built is called the X-57 and NASA intends to have completed in under four years. It will consist of six electric motors on each wing with the ability to fly at top speeds of around 175 miles per hour with a range of 100 miles.
Sean Clarke is NASA’s principal investigator on the X-57 project and he advised, “We’re designing this airplane specifically for our test demonstration. But for this tech to make its way to commercial, battery tech needs to improve.” After the X-57 has been completed NASA will then look to transforms a standard aircraft into an electric one with test launches planned for March 2018. Although the final stage doesn’t yet have a clear timeline, Thomas Rigney, NASA’s program manager for the X-57 project claims the organization’s aim is to compete for the plane in 10 years. “It’ll be a transition from the technology NASA develops,” says Rigney. “We’re going to reduce the risk and flight test these larger aircraft with the technology required to fly them, and that will give way for the commercial world to commercialize it.”
They’re not alone in their efforts either. Both Boeing and JetBlue have invested in electric aircraft startup Zunum. Zunum is looking at the possibility of utilizing electric aircraft at regional airports. Uber and Airbus are also working on projects that will cater for individuals in a kind of air taxi service.
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