@teuto@lemmy.teuto.icu
member since 23 Jul 2023 17:52
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- on First test flight of largest all-electric aircraft used just $5 of electricity in c/technology@lemmy.world · 16 Aug 2026
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on First test flight of largest all-electric aircraft used just $5 of electricity in c/technology@lemmy.world · 15 Aug 2026
It’s a bigger deal on bigger aircraft, but on mid-size narrow bodies it’s not as much of a problem. A 737, depending on the model, only has a difference of about 20-30k lbs between MTOW and MLGW and no fuel dump capability. An overweight landing isn’t really a big deal in one, just a quick maintenance inspection. Closing the gap so MTOW and MLGW are equal is doable. It’s hard to overstate how huge of an expense fuel is to an airline, if they have to lose some passengers and cargo they would absolutely do it if it got rid of the fuel expense.
Of course all that is contingent on having batteries with enough energy density to get somewhere close to current MTOWs while having something of a useful range.
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on First test flight of largest all-electric aircraft used just $5 of electricity in c/technology@lemmy.world · 15 Aug 2026
The same way we make bigger aircraft with higher landing weights: beefier landing gear and structural reinforcement. Airliners don’t have a lower max landing weight than takeoff because they have to, they do it because it’s cheaper and more efficient. Add some more structural weight and you lose some payload, but if the efficiency gains from fuel cost savings make it worthwhile, then manufacturers will make them.
You can do ducted fans, which is what a turbofan minus the turbine is.