NASA Developing E-Planes For Travel

 New NASA e-Plane May Fly This Year

                                            

                                Source:  NASA

Green Skies with the X-57 Maxwell

NASA is spearheading a major transformation of the airline industry to electric power.  NASA's experimental plane, the X-57 Maxwell, is powered solely by electricity.  Maxwell is a member of NASA's distinguished tradition of X Planes, which are experimental. NASA expects to fly it this year to prove that Maxwell's unique electric technology works.  NASA converted a gas powered Italian Tecnam P2006T into the electric powered Maxwell.  The e-plane is a two-seater.  First flight is expected in late summer 2022.

Unique Aviation Technology

According to NASA, the aircraft's unique electric propulsion system allows the aircraft designers to develop new functionalities and much greater efficiency for the new plane.  Maxwell has no fuel tanks.  It uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the electric motors and propellers.  The vehicle weighs 3,000 pounds and has distinctive, small, sleek wings.  There are 14 electrics motors.  The propeller system is distinctive.  There are 12 small propellers across the wings to achieve lift and two larger propellers with 1 positioned at the end of each wing for forward thrust and high-speed flight.  The motors use complex, highly advanced software to drive them.  

More Tech Specs

Maxwell has a 100-mile range on a charge. For take-off, it needs to reach a speed of 67 mph. Maxwell's cruising speed is 172 mph, and it flies at a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet.  NASA says that its electric, renewable energy makes it cleaner, more efficient, much quieter and less expensive to operate than jet fuel powered planes.

NASA's Objectives

NASA is developing Maxwell and its electric powertrain system to fundamentally change the global aviation industry by drastically reducing plane greenhouse gas emissions.    NASA believes that the first big beneficiaries will be regional commuter aircraft and air taxi services.  NASA is hopeful that the X-57 Maxwell will have a profound impact on aviation and help lead the way to greener, more environmentally friendly skies.  NASA pilots are preparing for the summer 2022 first flight by using flight simulators to get ready for takeoff.