3 ms·
Most helicopters use jet engines. I think that is where a large part of the maintenance cost comes in. The rotor assembly is fairly complicated mechanically, bu
by jeffreyrogers 5y ago
Most helicopters use jet engines. I think that is where a large part of the maintenance cost comes in. The rotor assembly is fairly complicated mechanically, but I don't know how often it needs to be serviced.
I think the pro-electric people are underestimating the maintenance requirements though, especially since anything flying has very conservative requirements put on it, so just saying "these electric motors will run fine for 10,000 hours" or something like that isn't going to cut it.
- baybal2 5y ago> Most helicopters use jet engines. I think that is where a large part of the maintenance cost comes in. No, gas turbines are much more reliable, and cheaper to service than reciprocating engines.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- jeffreyrogers 5y agoIt costs >$100k (potentially much more) per overhaul of a turbine engine. That's a lot more than it costs to overhaul a reciprocating engine (probably 10x more). I agree that they are more reliable though (part of why most helicopters use them, since loss of the engine is much more serious problem than in planes)
- baybal2 5y ago> It costs >$100k (potentially much more) per overhaul of a turbine engine Aircraft certified piston engines will reach that cost in overhauls much quicker than a turbine
- jeffreyrogers 5y agoThat is just not true. You can google the cost of overhauling a Cessna engine, it's nowhere near 100k.
- baybal2 5y agoBut you need to overhaul it way more frequently, and buy replacement parts, and consumables regularly.