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On the other hand batteries don't get that much lighter as you use the energy stored within. Also you're going to have to design quick capacity change battery p
by thedrbrian 11y ago
On the other hand batteries don't get that much lighter as you use the energy stored within. Also you're going to have to design quick capacity change battery packs or always fly with the maximum weight penalty.
- alkonaut 11y agoThat's true, the average weight of the fuel is probably 60-70% of the takeoff weight or something, varying wildly depending on aircraft type and flight. Takeoff weight is probably the limiting design factor, so there you can compare the batteries to the full tank, which is what I have above. On the other hand jet airliners are designed to be lighter when they land, landing gear and brakes don't have to manage a landing at full weight (which is why they have to dump fuel before making an emergency landing immediately after takeoff). An electrical plane would have to have brakes and landing gear designed for the heavy batteries, as it will be as heavy at landing as it was at takeoff. This might add quite a lot of weight.