FORT ATKINSON, Wis., - The future of flight is still up in the air. Amid global efforts to decarbonize transportation, the aviation industry is embracing less carbon-intensive fuels and exploring alternative propulsion aircraft. It’s unclear which technologies will ultimately prevail or how soon these innovative technologies will gain traction. Despite the uncertainty, airport authorities must start laying the groundwork, designing infrastructure systems critical for airlines to achieve their low-carbon aspirations, Joseph Vigilante and Nicholas May write for Ground Support Worldwide. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
25 January 2024 - Battery-powered electric aircraft are unlikely to operate on current flight routes due to range concerns. Roughly 100 electric aircraft are currently under development, attempting to find a balance between increasing battery capacity and not exceeding aircraft weight limits. Federal requirements add further complications — aircraft must be able to travel their planned distances as well as have extra capacity in case of an emergency event.
Electric aircraft may eventually be cost-effective for trips between 100-200 miles. Rather than replace existing routes, shorter-distance flights may potentially open new regions to air travel. Market adoption depends on battery costs falling, aircraft technology improving, and greater standardization of charging infrastructure.
If electric aircraft eventually operate at the airport, authorities will need to dramatically expand power supplies to fulfill charging demands. Grid supplies are limited. Authorities will need to install distributed energy resources such as solar photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage systems, and fuel cells. Microgrids will likely become operational necessities.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
