Zero-emission Aircraft for the Future

GLG

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Aviation Leaders Set to Transform Seaplanes into ePlanes — a Zero-emission Aircraft for the Future

REDMOND, WA and VANCOUVER, B.C. – March 26, 2019 – magniX, the company powering the electric aviation revolution, and Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, today announced a partnership to transform Harbour Air seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet powered by the magni500, a 750 horsepower (HP) all-electric motor.

Operating 12 routes between hubs like Seattle and Vancouver and across the pristine natural wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, Harbour Air welcomes more than 500,000 passengers on 30,000 commercial flights each year. Through this partnership, both companies are furthering the vision to someday connect communities with clean, efficient and affordable electric air travel.

“Harbour Air first demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first fully carbon-neutral airline in North America in 2007, through the purchase of carbon offsets,” said Greg McDougall, founder and CEO of Harbour Air Seaplanes. “Through our commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives, the communities where we operate and the environment, we are once again pushing the boundaries of aviation by becoming the first aircraft to be powered by electric propulsion. We are excited to bring commercial electric aviation to the Pacific Northwest, turning our seaplanes into ePlanes.”

The aviation industry currently contributes 12 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions and 4.9 percent globally, all while providing few low-cost, fuel-efficient options for passenger flights under 1,000 miles. By modifying existing Harbour Air planes with innovative, all-electric magniX propulsion systems, the partnership will create the world’s first completely electric commercial seaplane fleet. A Harbour Air ePlane will have zero reliance on fossil fuels and produce zero emissions – a significant step forward in the innovation and advancement of the airline industry.

“In 2018, 75 percent of worldwide airline flights were 1,000 miles or less in range. With magniX’s new propulsion systems coupled with emerging battery capabilities, we see tremendous potential for electric aviation to transform this heavily trafficked ‘middle mile’ range,” said Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX. “We’re excited to partner with Harbour Air, a forward thinking, like-minded company that is dedicated to bringing environmentally conscious, cost effective air-transport solutions to the West Coast of North America. This partnership will set the standard for the future of commercial aviation operators.”

The first aircraft to be converted will be the DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver, a six-passenger commercial aircraft used across Harbour Air’s route network. Harbour Air and magniX expect to conduct first flight tests of the all-electric aircraft in late 2019.

This partnership follows significant milestones for both companies, including the successful testing of magniX’s 350 HP all-electric motor and the addition of a Vancouver to Seattle route in Harbour Air’s destination roster.

To learn more, visit magniX and Harbour Air

https://www.harbourair.com/harbour-...r-to-build-worlds-first-all-electric-airline/
 
Wouldn’t that be nice if it works out, people wouldn’t have to listen to those planes taking off over their condos, houses and restaurants 100 times a day, or what ever it is. Quiet down the harbours for sure.
 
My father's installing a 10 kw electric motor in his 45' wooden sailboat. One day hopefully we'll be able to power planing hulls with cheap clean electric engines.
 
This is an application in which the technology may actually work pretty well. You have set schedules, short flight times, known locations for charging stations, easily calculated turnaround times, hardly any vehicles, and a specific need for lower rpm, high torque engines.

On top of that it might be easier to seal up an electric motor. Float planes are enveloped in a cloud of salty fog and it must be hell on radial and turbine engines.

Personally I would really miss the sound of float planes as they are now but this is one application in which EVs might do well.
 
Wouldn’t that be nice if it works out, people wouldn’t have to listen to those planes taking off over their condos, houses and restaurants 100 times a day, or what ever it is. Quiet down the harbors for sure.
You know it is something that needs to happen environmentally wise but to me the roar of a Beaver taking off is just so West Coast and part of the whole experience when I am on a boating/fishing trip. I stay in Ganges Harbour quite often and the first flight starts up at 7:30am. It is usually right near my boat and its like Ok! lets get this day started!
You can recognize the sound of a Beaver before you can even see it. Starts up a like a Harley too. ha ha
 
It’s not zero emissions. In any case I’m gonna miss the sound of those old radials winding up. People in Esquimalt will luv them tho at 0700 each morning.
 
This has about as much hype and about as much chance of success as Ballard Fuel Systems ever did.
Yeah, and if man were meant to fly he’d have wings… said everyone in the 1800's

On a serious note ... All the major airplane manufacturers have programs to develop this technology so they will be prepared for when future batteries that are considerably lighter and more energy dense start commercial production.
 
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That will be a fun process to watch. If you have ever seen a major fault in a lithium battery getting force fed oxygen, you have seen a fire that will burn aluminum as fuel. And you can't jettison batteries so once the reaction starts, you're along for the ride.

The obstacles can probably be overcome but there will be some spectacular mid-air burns along the way.
 
That will be a fun process to watch. If you have ever seen a major fault in a lithium battery getting force fed oxygen, you have seen a fire that will burn aluminum as fuel. And you can't jettison batteries so once the reaction starts, you're along for the ride.

The obstacles can probably be overcome but there will be some spectacular mid-air burns along the way.

Last I checked gasoline burns like crazy too!
 
There is some interesting research on lithium titanate batteries. It would be interesting to see these tests done in the video being done on a lead acid battery to see the results.

https://www.scib.jp/en/about/index.htm


That will be a fun process to watch. If you have ever seen a major fault in a lithium battery getting force fed oxygen, you have seen a fire that will burn aluminum as fuel. And you can't jettison batteries so once the reaction starts, you're along for the ride.

The obstacles can probably be overcome but there will be some spectacular mid-air burns along the way.

LiFePO batteries seem fairly safe now also... A lot of boats and rv's have been switching over to them. Will be interesting to see if there are any problems with them down the road...
 
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LiFePO batteries seem fairly safe now also... A lot of boats and rv's have been switching over to them. Will be interesting to see if there are any problems with them down the road...

Here is a video that shows how LiFePO react to a dead short.

 
OSM AVIATION AIMS FOR A GREEN FUTURE!
We are excited to announce that today we have placed an order for 60 all-electric planes from Colorado-based aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace. These will be used for training at the OSM Aviation Academy flight training centres to qualify pilots for the future on sustainable wings.

“We’re proud to take the lead in the future of green aviation.” says Espen Høiby, CEO of OSM Aviation Group.

“This is the largest order for commercial electric planes to date,” he adds “It’s important that the airline industry steps up to the challenge of developing more environment-friendly transport. At OSM Aviation, we’re committed to pursuing a socially responsible and sustainable business.”

Bjørn Granviken, Managing Director of the OSM Aviation Academy says: “We’re training the next generation of pilots, and are determined to attract the best candidates. We offer a forward-looking education which they can be proud to take part in. This order for 60 all-electric aircraft is a key step in that respect.”
All-electric-plane-eflyer2.jpg


What does the eFlyer 2 offer?
The eFlyer2 from Bye Aerospace in Denver offers zero emission and significantly lower noise pollution compared with conventional aircraft, along with enhanced speed and altitude performance. Høiby predicts that it is only a matter of time before electrical planes enter into commercial use in international air travel. He says the industry needs to be both proactive and innovative in order to keep up.

“Innovative and revolutionary thinking is an integral part of our DNA at OSM Aviation,” he says. “We’ve revolutionised the way airlines approach their talent management challenges by providing airline-ready pilots and crew to the traditional carriers. We’re now taking the first steps to change the way pilots are trained. To us, it’s all about the people.”



A pivotal step towards green aviation
OSM Aviation has drawn inspiration from its Scandinavian roots in the quest for more climate-friendly solutions. Høiby expects the commitment to electric planes to find support at home. Ketil Solvik Olsen, a former Norwegian minister of transport and communications who is now responsible for establishing the OSM Aviation Academy in the USA, supports Høiby’s predictions.

“The state-owned Avinor company, which operates most of Norway’s civilian airports, made headlines last year when it piloted test flights with an electric plane,” Solvik Olsen observes. “This made more people aware of the potential for green aviation. Now OSM shows that the business community is ready to take charge and move the industry further along this positive trend.“

https://osmaviation.com/osm-aviation-aims-for-a-green-future/
 
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