3 ms·
> Assuming 300 mph. I think that's a very generous assumption. Typical small engine light aircraft cruise at 70-120 knots (80-140 mph). Wikipedia[1] suggests 2
by rlpb 7y ago
> Assuming 300 mph.
I think that's a very generous assumption. Typical small engine light aircraft cruise at 70-120 knots (80-140 mph). Wikipedia[1] suggests 211 mph as the current electric speed record (made in 2017). I doubt typical aircraft will be as optimised for speed as the one that holds the record. Increased speed causes exponentially increased aerodynamic drag, so if you want to increase range, slower speed [than your maximum speed] is the way to do it, not faster.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_EA-300#Variants https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_EA-300#Variants
- agumonkey 7y agoCould a two step setup be of interest ? an external device or vehicle to to lift it up, then the internal battery takes care of sustained gliding in high altitude (low air density) ?
- fencepost 7y agoEven without an external lifting element there's plenty of history for towed launches for a little extra push. Aircraft carrier catapults and ground launched gliders come to mind.
- agumonkey 7y agoyeah I had these in mind, the question is would it change the energy equation significantly