New Study Reveals Breakthrough in Electric Aviation Potential
At the global aviation conference AIAA SciTech Forum, Aerospace startup Elysian, in collaboration with Delft University of Technology, today announced new research findings that demonstrate viability for battery-electric air travel on a larger scale than previously thought possible. Revised calculations, based on new design principles, signal a paradigm shift in the potential of battery electric flight. This involves a 90-passenger, battery-electric aircraft capable of traveling 800 km with a pack energy density of 360 Wh/kg. Based on these findings, Elysian was established to continue development of this aircraft, aiming to become operational by 2033. Elysian is based in the Aerospace Innovation Hub at Delft University of Technology.
Traditionally, battery-electric flying was not considered a mainstream aviation solution given assumed limitations in aircraft capacity and range. However, this perception is being challenged by two scientific papers, ‘A new perspective on battery-electric aviation, part I and II’ authored by Rob Wolleswinkel, Reynard de Vries, Maurice Hoogreef, and Roelof Vos. The first scientific paper re-examines assumptions that lead to the current perception of limited applicability for battery-electric aircraft, and presents new parametric designs for a feasible battery-electric aircraft with 40-120 passengers, capable of flying up to 1000 km cruise range. The second research paper outlines the design of a 90-passenger battery-electric aircraft. This aircraft is capable of traveling up to 800 km on battery power alone, assuming a battery pack energy density of 360 Wh/kg. The papers were presented and discussed during aviation conference SciTech in Orlando, Florida.
Joris Melkert, Senior Lecturer Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology: “We expect Elysian to make a significant contribution to discovering the boundaries of battery electric flying by taking a refreshingly new look at the combination of technology and design. We wholeheartedly support their systematic and scientific approach and look forward to their solutions to the technological challenges ahead.”
Read more
Read the full story and the two papers on the website of Elysian Aircraft: www.elysianaircraft.com.
Contact
- Lize de Vries-Hong, press officer Elysian Aircaft: Lize@elysianaircraft.com
- Ineke Boneschansker, press officer Aerospace Engineering TU Delft: i.boneschansker@tudelft.nl.