Bill Gross’ Post

The internal combustion engine is a key part of a more sustainable future, in aviation and beyond. Our CEO Alec Shkolnik shared his thoughts with Avionics International on why the most practical path to decarbonization is embracing hybrid: https://lnkd.in/gesNwZM3

Advanced Air Mobility is an exciting new aerospace segment characterized by wonder and Silicon Valley-style hype. I compare it to the automotive industry in the 1890s - hundreds of wannabees with different designs and technologies but no stop lights, drivers licenses, insurance, gas stations, or maintenance providers. Twenty years later, the fledgling industry took off thanks to Henry Ford and other innovators and the rest is history. One of my favorites to emerge from the pack is BETA TECHNOLOGIES. The The New York Times published a nice overview of the company today. Behind a paywall but worth a read! #aerospaceindustry #aam #advancedairmobility #aviation

Excellent article in AIN Online about the current crop of electric general aviation aircraft in development. Of particular interest is the discussion with John Langford of Electra Aero about their STOL EL-2 technology demonstrator which I think is one of the best concepts out there. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/edepRk9D

MY THOUGHTS ON AIRLANDER... They write this: "Airlander is the world’s most efficient large aircraft by design. Our mission is to create a form of transportation that connects the unconnected, creating new networks, transporting people and things, all while reducing aviation’s carbon emissions. Airlander’s technology roadmap targets a fully electric Airlander 10 in service by 2030, delivering the first large zero-carbon regional aircraft to market." It would be interesting to see data comparing them to a normal (non flying wing) airship, which are also the world's most efficient large aircraft by design. It appears that, unlike well-designed normal airships, there is some reason that off-the-shelf batteries, motors and controllers are not enough, that some technologies have to be perfected or at least scaled up. That of course adds to cost, though it might increase load capacity or range, and be adaptable to normal airships. . Will they reach their goal by 2030, before others? Will their operating costs really be a fraction of normal regional airplanes? Those planes sell for around $40 million and travel much faster. How much will the Airlander 10 cost? How much less will be their energy costs? We shall see. https://lnkd.in/efBkfnKw

Learn more about how #businessaivation is working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

https://lnkd.in/dfvQ4kE8 #348 Electric Aviation Electric aviation refers to the use of electric propulsion systems, such as electric motors powered by batteries or fuel cells, to propel aircraft. This technology represents a shift away from traditional aviation, which relies on internal combustion engines that burn fossil fuels. Electric aviation has gained significant attention and development in recent years due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. https://antharas.co.uk/ https://lnkd.in/eP62zZ_E

#ICYMI: Electra Aero's eSTOL aircraft takes off from almost no runway! Electra.aero recently demonstrated the capabilities of its hybrid-electric test aircraft, the EL-2 Goldfinch, showcasing its ability to take off from extremely short runways. In a video released by Electra Aero, the eSTOL (Electric Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft successfully lifted off from less than 170 feet during its trial flight, which is only about 10 percent of the typical runway length required for conventional aircraft. The aircraft achieved takeoff and landing speeds of around 28 to 29 miles per hour, thanks to its innovative "blown-lift design" that uses eight small electric-powered propellers, allowing it to get off the ground with minimal speed. Operating primarily on clean electric energy, the Goldfinch produces only 75 decibels of noise at 300 feet, noticeably quieter than traditional airplanes. Its hybrid design also cuts pollution, using 40 percent less fuel on a standard 100-mile route. Learn more and watch the video ➡ https://lnkd.in/exMwUjCN

Again Kevin Michaels — thanks for the succinct and to-the-point observations. Two thoughts compete for attention in my grey cells. (1) that the e-vtol and “electric” aviation area is a playground for capital from outside the sector (good!) with investment horizons and product development timeframes related to the semiconductor or telecommunications sectors that don’t easily transfer to aeronautics; and (2) that Thomas Edison challenge of: great if you invent a lightbulb but what’s the point if there is no grid to provide the electricity… Still: without entrepreneurs like these, you wonder whether cars would still be running on coal. So for mainstream aviation I think it’s good to “buy the popcorn and watch” - and stay alert to step in when a breakthrough appears. I think this AAM segment will see a shakeout as well as a piling in of the established aviation sector. Game on!

Hybrid-electric aircraft combine the best of electrical and conventional propulsion systems, enabling today's battery technologies to do most of the "heavy lifting" in smaller commercial aircraft. Several companies are developing small hybrid airliners that use an auxiliary internal combustion powerplant to assist takeoff and extend range. Anticipated to reach the market as soon as 2026, these 9-10 passenger aircraft are expected to dramatically reduce operating costs and consume 70%-90% less fuel than the planes currently being used by regional and air charter services.