Executives from Dutch company Elysian Aircraft unveiled two technical papers that featured plans for a prop-driven electric plane capable of holding 90 passengers, Aerospace Americareported.
Elysian Aircraft expects the aircraft to offer a range of about 500 miles. The company aims to introduce the aircraft into service in 2033.
Elysian plans to incorporate a fossil fuel turbogenerator in the tail cone of each aircraft. This system would recharge the plane’s lithium-ion batteries and supply power to the propellers’ motors should a diversion or delay occur.
The aircraft’s design calls for a 43-meter wingspan, approximately seven meters wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 737 Max 7. The wings will also feature a foldable design to accommodate the aircraft at an airport gate.
Elysian Aircraft co-CEO and CTO Rob Wolleswinkel explained that the longer wingspan would allow for additional battery storage space in the wings and spare the fuselage from carrying the extra battery weight. Additional benefits of placing batteries in the wings include reduced wing bending moment and less required fuselage space. The batteries are expected to provide 360 watt-hours per kilogram.
Co-CEO and Chief Business Officer Daniel Rosen Jacobson said Elysian would initially manufacture the planes but could eventually license the technology.
Credit: Elysian Aircraft
