4:49 "a fixed-wing aircraft that can take off and land in a football field" by using multiple electric engines to force sure over the top surface of the wing. Short takeoff and landing greatly increases the number of small communities that can be served by air freight.
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[from my smart brother]
If the plane is generating electricity from fuel why have a battery? A surge of power for takeoff? Instead — use a ground supply system. — or a 300 foot electric cord for extra power at take off.
Perhaps it's about noise levels — I think it might be much quieter, having smaller propellers and enclosed generator.
Engine-in-fuselage: easier to use waste engine heat to warm cabin?
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[back to me]
I think you're right - it's to have that extra surge of power for takeoff.
The power cord idea is a unique idea. I guess the wear and tear on the cord would be difficult to manage. I suppose one could install induction plates on the runway that would transfer electricity (as in this video re: trucking) to the plane during takeoff.
It's interesting that aircraft carriers traditionally use steam for their catapults - I guess that steam is reliable, powerful, and consistent.
But now modern carriers use electromagnetic propulsion. (See 2:12 in this video.)
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